Own a Pet

This is Ryu and Po (we named our dog Po from the movie Kung Fu Panda since he is all black with some white patches- he basically looks as if he could be a little panda bear!) at the park yesterday.

 We rescued Po when he was just 6 weeks old from an owner who obviously did not care for the well being of the 6 little puppies in Po's litter. When we rescued Po he was so dirty you couldn't tell his paws were white, he had mange, worms, you name it. It was a miracle he survived and is as healthy as he is today!!!

My son and Po have created a strong bond... Ryu doesn't want to go anywhere without Po and visa versa. The greatest thing though is that I have seen a change in my son. I have to be honest, my son is a VERY active and tough 19 month old but with Po I have begun to see a more gentle and soft side of him. Ryu loves to feed him, pet him, walk him, snuggle with him, and play chase. These two have become best buddies. I believe that it is important for a child to experience having a pet (as long as the parent is comitted to putting time into the pet to make it a positive experience) because it helps shape them into a better little human being. It teaches them to care for another living thing, to know boundries, helps to create responsibilities, and to connect with nature. In an article I read from The Amercian Academy of Child and Adolescent Phychiatry, the benefits of pet ownership are clear:

Children raised with pets show many benefits.  Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child's self-esteem and self-confidence.  Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others.  A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy.  Pets can serve different purposes for children:

• They can be safe recipients of secrets and private thoughts--children often talk to their pets, like they do their stuffed animals.
• They provide lessons about life; reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and bereavement.
• They can help develop responsible behavior in the children who care for them.
• They provide a connection to nature.
• They can teach respect for other living things.

Other physical and emotional needs fulfilled by pet ownership include:

• Physical activity
• Comfort contact
• Love, loyalty, and affection
• Experience with loss if a pet is lost or dies.

Own a pet and your child will become a better person