Pets in home

When I was a baby, my parents got a cat for the family and named him Percy. As all cats tend to do, he picked a favourite –me. My mum said even when I was a baby; sitting in my bouncer, he used to sit under it. As I grew older Percy and I became friends, he would follow me around, sleep on my bed at night, and at meal times he would sit beside my chair and help me get rid of the liver my parents claimed was so good for me.
So many people are cynical about cats, but to me he was a trusted friend.
There are a number of studies claiming pet owners are less stressed and less likely to suffer depression than non-pet owners. According to Dr Katrina Warren, pets also benefit children. Some of these benefits are as follows:

1. It teaches children responsibility – Children can be involved with the everyday care of the animal, or given the job of feeding or grooming (with parental supervision). Children learn to think about others beside themselves.

2. Children turn to pets when they need a friend – Children tend to trust pets with their secrets. In families where it is common for other family members to poke around in your diary, a pet can be trusted not to give away your private thoughts.

3. Pets are non-judgemental – they love you unconditionally support you and they are never too busy for you.

4.Babies that have pets around them from a young age are less likely to develop asthma – I suppose because they build up immunity.

Based on my own personal experience I can tell you that all the above are true. I cannot comment on dogs as I have no experience of them but I am sure they would offer the same benefits listed above. However, children need very close supervision around dogs.

I now have two kittens. One has attached himself to me. The other one has attached himself to my daughter. Which I am pleased about as I would like her to grow up with a little buddy as well. Everywhere she goes, he is close by, (except in her room that is off limits). He is tolerant when she pulls his ears and grabs chunks of flesh, but she is learning that she is not allowed to hurt the cat just as the cat is not allowed to hurt her.
I hope they grow up as best friends like Percy and me.

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Posted By: Sara Dobson - Category: No Category

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5 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Hazel Castillo

March 13th 2008 00:30

Working Title
Cirrus Cloud
Parent Adventures

I am a supporter of having pets at home which is why it is very important for us to move to a house not a condominium or apartment building which prohibits pets.

I grew up with TONS of dogs around me, currently we have at least 4 at our compound where me and my cousins live. My son loooves dogs, and cats but we never took care of cats. Strays have decided to attach themselves to our house though so now my son knows cats too.

You can see just how caring of a person they will be when you see them around pets.

Comment by Sara Dobson

March 13th 2008 00:38

My Turn

Hi Hazel,

Sounds like you have a house full!

You must be part of a very loving household.

Sara

Comment by Lara M

March 13th 2008 12:07

Love Speaks
Food Slate

The benefits are absolutely true regardless of the type of pet

We grew up with lots of dogs, but also had birds, fish, terrapins...and the neighborhood cats and dogs over. It was like Dr Doolittle's or the Animal Farm (if you prefer that)!

Samantha's kitten is a cutey (so is she

Comment by Anonymous

January 15th 2009 19:23

I have 30 dogs, we breed beagles. I grew up with most of them and they seem just like people and family to me. I've learned that animals are important in peoples liveds because you learn to care for more than just yourself, and you gain lots of responsibility