We all packed on a few extra pounds during the holidays and now it is the time to shed that extra luggage the way a German Shepherd shed's it's coat in the summer. We all know that our Country is suffering from an obesity epidemic. And Somehow this epidemic is even affecting our pets also.

In the mid 1990's, for example, research studies showed that some fifteen percent of our animals were overweight. Now it is about forty percent. As we know from the media, those extra pounds are not ideal for our health or for the health of our beloved animals. Their growing waistlines may in fact cause them many medical concerns. Obviously, a thin animal is much more likely to live a healthier and happier life.

According to a recent research study published in the prestigious Journal of Nutrition, dogs of overweight owners are almost 3 times more likely to be overweight themselves. The same may apply to cats also. In a very real way, Our animals are our mirrors: they are chiseled and molded by our household's habits. They seem to embody our lifestyles, our decisions, and even our dreams. On a spiritual level, they sometimes even reflect our health.

So that begs the question: could the human-animal bond actually be an unhealthy thing for our pets? I mean, really, if you happen to be a couch potato, there is a strong probability that your pet may be one also. Sitting together on the couch for hours and hours, watching TV and constantly consuming snacks and treats is promoting a sedentary lifestyle for both you and your pet.

So let us explore this avenue. Does the increase in pet obesity have to do with some sort of subtle spiritual connection between pets and humans? Or is it just something more tangible? This much is true though: animals are awesome copy cats (no pun intended).

So as we rummage through our brains for our New Year's resolutions, let us keep our animals in mind and turn the human-animal bond back into the positive thing it was supposed to be.

How do you know if your animal is overweight? Just pllace your hands on his or her rib cage with your palms facing down. If the ribs are easily felt, your pet is considered to be normal weight. If you can feel more than about one inch of skin and fat between the ribs or if the ribs are difficult to feel, your pet is indeed overweight.

Ryan Joseph is a researcher and writer. For Pet Nutrition information visit Life's Abundance Premium Dog Food as well as Life's Abundance Premium Cat Food.