Designer collars, beds, and leashes. Home cooked meals and afternoons at the spa. In the face of all that we can do for our animal companions these days, I sometimes wonder if I pamper my cats and dogs enough. What do pets need to lead happy, fulfilled lives?

The key to pet happiness, I believe, lies not in “luxury” items, but in understanding an animal’s nature. One reason my family and I moved to a new house last year was to give our dogs a bigger yard. I am sure their rollicking runs mean more to them than designer coats or gourmet biscuits ever could. And for cats, a