From The Editor: All Pets Are Welcome!

What is your definition of a pet?

It is a friend that never lets you down. OK, save for the occasional hair on the sofa, a few things broken in the living room, or an interesting smell coming from the utility room, we love our pets no matter what!

As LGBTQ+ people, we simply love our pets. This serves as your yearly reminder that pets do matter – no matter what kind of pet you own.

Pets serve as part of our lives. They fill the space when we need them. Your loyal dog may not like your partner’s relatives sometimes, but that’s OK. Your cat will never move from their spot on the sofa where the remote to your entertainment system is located, but that’s OK. Your iguana may have scared off your last date, but that’s OK, too.

Lately, the idea of a pet has expanded from your usual dog, cat, and fish. In some circles, there has been a goat around with their handler. I heard that’s a cool pet to have.

However, the further from the city you traverse, the idea of a pet expands even wider. We have our favorite goats, horses, cows, chickens. Our animal friends come in all shapes and sizes – and purposes.

Recently, someone had been showing up to events I usually attend with a goat. It could be unusual, but it is quite normal these days in our part of the country.

It should not be strange that we want to connect with our animal friends. All of our animal friends!

Our Pride in Pets issue starts off with a place where old racehorses go to get better care in their latter years. It is a great start to connect with a horse who had a rough life early on to find peace and solace with caring human beings.

We also introduce you to a group of budding veterinarians who want to connect with our pet-loving community by being out and proud in what they do. It is one thing to find an LGBTQ+ primary care physician to take care of us. Hopefully, it will be easier to find a vet to take care of our pets.

Our Minnesota State Parks and other properties owned by the Department of Natural Resources do welcome pets, although there are few things to take in consideration. That is why they are here to help us the next time we take our best friends into the state park system.

Looking for new pet accessories for your automobile? We have some suggestions for you from one of the leading names in vehicle accessories.

Plus, so much more! Go ahead and peruse this issue. Have your best friend next to you when you do.