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2012年7月31日 星期二

The Essential Role of Pet Keeping for Children's Healthy Development


Whether you decide before or after you have children to bring a pet into your lives, it is important to consider the effects it will have on children's healthy development throughout their early years. The essential role of pet keeping for children's healthy development is a topic all too often overlooked. Children's healthy development depends on the way you introduce a pet and the care you give a pet while your kids are in the vital stages of development.

Before you choose a new pet to bring home to the family, there are many important factors in picking the right one! Deciding what type of animal you want is the first step. The best pets for families are typically cats and dogs; they have stable lives and can easily become a part of a family, aiding in children's healthy development. Most families will thrive more efficiently if they avoid choosing exotic pets such as spiders and snakes as they can become frightening for younger children, and the novelty often wears off.

When you bring home a new pet, you should always train them in obedience and respect. In doing so, children will development a sense of responsibility, even if they are not the ones directly responsible for the pet's care. You must enforce the rules that you set for your new pet so that children will develop a healthy yearning to guide their pet in the right direction. Pet's can be a great part of a family and bring new light and enjoyment to a home. Many children find that pet's are great companions long before they can realize what a friend truly is. Keeping a pet will not only teach your child respect and responsibility, but also what a loving and kind relationship is.

Many parents focus in on the way their children development from the day they are conceived. Whether you have a cat or a dog there are important things to focus on as well. Initially, many children may not be prepared for the arrival of a pet. It is equally challenging for a child to deal with the death of their pet. It can be a difficult time, but many children have their first understanding of life and death through their pets. To be sure that your children will be able to handle what can be a significantly trying time in their life, you should keep your pet's memory alive even after they pass. Find a memorial pet urn to keep your cats remains in and a special dog urn to lovingly respect your pooch and let their memory live on forever. Doing so can greatly help your child deal with the loss of a pet.




Natalie Aranda writes about pets and family. It is equally challenging for a child to deal with the death of their pet. It can be a difficult time, but many children have their first understanding of life and death through their pets. To be sure that your children will be able to handle what can be a significantly trying time in their life, you should keep your pet?s memory alive even after they pass. Find a memorial pet urn to keep your cats remains in and a special dog urn to lovingly respect your pooch and let their memory live on forever. Doing so can greatly help your child deal with the loss of a pet.




Losing a Pet


Losing a pet for most of us is one of the darkest days of our lives.

The loss, whether it is by death due to health reasons or an accident, or simply a pet that has just disappeared, there are no words to describe the emptiness we feel.

We feel that the empty spot in our heart, will never fill up and we will always feel like a "half of a person."

The ray of sunshine, the one bright spot in our sometime dreary lives has left us.

How do we cope?

The process is different for each of us. The important thing is "we have to face it and deal with our grief."

By denying our feelings, we are hurting ourselves emotionally and we are not honoring the life of our "best friend."

Whatever the situation, a pet that was ill, a sudden unnecessary accident or a pet that wandered off and can't be found, each has to be dealt with.

You, as an emotional human being, need to honor the existence of your wonderful pet and by doing that; you will heal the empty spots in yourself.

How do you do that?

Simply by allowing yourself to go through all of the stages of grief. It does not matter, which stage you go through first, you just must begin.

The first stage is denial.

You cannot believe your pet is gone. In your mind you think it is a mistake, that it was not your cat or dog that got run over, your pet was not really sick and even though your pet ran out the open door and cannot be found, you know it will come back. It is okay for now to believe that.

Face every feeling that comes up. Get angry, scream and yell, if it makes you feel better.

Allow yourself to feel massive anger toward the vet, the person who accidentally hit your pet, or get mad at the pet who ran away.

Let what ever you are feeling flow free, do not keep it bottled up inside.

Talk to a close friend or family member, actually sometimes talking to a wall helps even more.

Try bargaining with whatever "Supreme Being" you believe in helps. Even though you know that whatever the terms of your bargain is, it will not bring your pet back, with the exception of the lost one.

Cry, sometimes crying is the best medicine. Cry until you think your heart will break and then cry some more. Cry intermittently for days, if that is how you feel. It really is okay.

Talk to people, your vet, and your minister or seek a professional counselor, if you feel you can not cope.

Check the Internet for sites that offer you a chance to communicate with others who have faced a loss like you have. Communication with like minded souls is good for you.

Do not feel rejected, if some of your family or friends do not understand your grief. Understand that there are some people that do not put the same value on a relationship with a pet as you do.

There are some people that think pets are not a necessary part of life and they cannot comprehend such emotional attachment.

Allow them to feel as they do. You know the joy that they are missing.

Grief and depression are normal feelings; it matters not if your loss was a person or a pet. The feelings are just as intense and need to be expressed.

If someone you know has lost a pet, let them talk, express your feelings and sympathy. Send them a card (there are cards for loss of pets,) write a note in your own words to express your thoughts and feelings. It will be appreciated.

Don't offer advice

Euthanasia: If you are faced with making the decision to have your pet euthanized, it can be the hardest thing you may ever have to do.

The thoughts of guilt that can fill your mind will be overwhelming.

Whatever the health situation is of your pet, you are never prepared to make that decision, no matter how well you know, you should make it.

When that time comes, most of us do two things, we pray for a miracle recovery or we pray for the pet to make the decision for us by passing in its sleep.

The thought of making the decision to take your pet's life, to many of us is like "playing God" and we do not like that choice.

Euthanasia is a painless death; it is accomplished by an injection of a strong dose of anesthetic. It takes only seconds to put the pet into a state of unconsciousness, then the breathing and the heart stops.

If you are considering this process for your pet, here are a few thoughts to hopefully help you make the right decision and to feel better about making it.


Is the current quality of my pet's life a good one?
Is my pet eating and is it interested in what is going on
around it?
Is there any pain associated with my pet's condition?
Are there any options available that I have not tried, to help
my pet?
Is my pet comfortable and aware of me?
Do I want to be present, when the injection is given?

These are just a few questions to consider.

Do not feel guilty regarding whatever choice you make. Know in your heart that you will make the correct decision and whatever it is IT WILL BE THE RIGHT ONE for you and your pet.

Your vet will be only to happy to give you counsel, but do not expect your vet to make the decision for you.

It is your choice, your vet can only tell you what to expect if you decide not to and what will happen if you do.

How do you tell the children?

First and foremost you, tell the children the "TRUTH."

Children are so much wiser that we give them credit for. They are aware of death, as they see it everyday, dead bugs, animals hit by cars, and birds that the "cat" got.

It is truly wrong not to be truthful with them, tell them if the household pet is sick and will soon die, or the pet has met with a sudden accident.

Children of all ages should be allowed to grieve, even if they don't understand the significance of death.

One of the worse things parent do, is tell the younger children that the pet is "going to be put to sleep" that phrase can cause much damage.

A young child can interpret it to mean that sometimes when you go to sleep you may never wake up. They could start to worry that such a thing could happen to them or to mommy and daddy.

Children do not require long lengthy explanations when they are in the two to three year old age bracket.

A simple statement like their pet died and will not come back is usually good enough. Children will cry or they may have a bed-wetting situation for a while, but with love and comfort from mom and dad, that will pass. Also the thought of a new pet will soon make a fears vanish.

Children that are four, five and six years old have a better understanding. However, it is important that they do not feel any responsibility for the pet's death. Some children may think they did something that made it happen (like telling the pet it was bad or to go away at one time or another.)

Parents should allow the children to express their concerns. Explain death in simple terms, possibly using some of the beliefs from your own faith.

The seven, eight and nine year old has already formed a preconceived notion of what death is. It is important that you as parents, answer their questions as honestly as you can. Usually their main concern is that you (mom and dad) are not going to be leaving them.

Children may not understand death as we do, but as a parent you cannot hide what is part of life. If you avoid telling your child the truth, you may be creating a deeper problem within the child.

If mommy or daddy won't talk about it, it really must be bad, so I won't talk about it either.

Burying the pet will not hurt as much as burying your child's emotions, regarding something that is as much a part of life as breathing is.

Be honest. If you have a religious faith use those principals to help illustrate the process of death. When talking to young children, let them ask questions. It is not necessary for you to go into great detail about death and dying. A brief explanation is usually all that is necessary.

Older children, especially young teenagers, who are going through enough emotional turmoil, just growing up, need to be handled carefully.

Allow them to express their grief in their own way. Give them some freedom to deal with their emotions, be patient and be supportive, but not overly so.

If your pet is ill and you are aware that the big decision will soon be forthcoming. Help your children prepare.

Possibly make a photo album of pictures of their pet, plan a simple burial service and let them come up with the ideas of how to handle it.

If a burial is not possible, let them plant a tree, a bush, shrub or flower in honor of their pet.

Let the child (children) have something concrete to remember their pet by.

Doing this allows the child to feel close to their pet and will give them something they can sit by and talk to. It will help to ease their grief.

Talk about your pet, remember the fun times you all shared and all the silly or naughty things your pet did. Savor the memories and when enough time has passed create some new ones with another furry friend.

Whatever you do, just be truthful, be patient and allow each member of the family time to handle their grief in their own special way.

Life and things are temporary, but memories live on forever.




As the mother of 6 now grown children, our household has suffered the loss of many beloved pets. From the lowly goldfish to our beautiful cats and dogs, they were mourned and their loss felt by all of us. Grief is a part of life and without the sadness, how would we appreciate the other joys that touch our lives. If you are a pet lover and even if you are not, come and visit me at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com/ You just may be glad you did.




Why Pet-keeping is Essential for Children's Healthy Development


As families decrease in size and we become increasingly urbanised the need to keep pets at home becomes more important for children's healthy development.

Most kids at stage will ask - no, nag - for a pet of some type. Gold fish, guinea pigs, pet mice and rabbits are generally on city-dwelling children's want lists for pets at some stage. The more conventional cats and dogs compete with more exotic species such as tortoises, snakes and parrots for kid's attention in the large animal stakes.

The lure of pets for kids was demonstrated some years ago at the height of the electronic pet phase. Kids across the world were glued to their handheld monitors feeding, walking and caring for their electronic pets.

As it turned out electronic pets were no substitute for the real things and the phase thankfully has passed.

Pets contribute in four ways to children's healthy development:

1. They teach children to take responsibility for something other themselves. Some pets are easier to care for than others but most have

to be cared for, protected and fed on a regular basis. It is the

regularity of caring for pets that is the greatest lesson for kids.

Parents may give children chores and it may not matter much to children

if they are not done. But the consequences of not caring for a pet are

generally very real for children. Fail to feed a small animal and it may

die. Forget to close the cage on the chicken pen and the dog may have an

unexpected feast. These are real responsibilities that teach real life

lessons to kids.

2. It is inevitable that at some stage pets will die. It is tough but

that is life. Animals teach kids about the cycle of life. Dogs moult,

lizards shed their skins and the call of the wild is just too great for

some species in spring. The nature's cycles become real when you have

pets

3. Pets teach kids to be empathetic. When children care for their pets

they become protective and look out for their welfare. They empathise

with their pets if they are cold, hungry or it is stormy outside. Kids

will often want the dog to sleep inside when it is cold or the cat to

come in from the rain. They often blur the line between animal and human

but at least they are emphasising with their pets - and putting

themselves in their situation. My point - empathy is a brilliant life

skill. Empathetic kids never bully and empathetic adults are brilliant

to be around. They make great partners, workmates and bosses. These

characteristics need to be nurtured in childhood and owning pets can

allow for this.

4. Youngest and only child are usually surrounded in their families by

people who are bigger and more capable than them. The opportunity to

care for a pet puts them in control and allows them to care for

something just as their parents have cared for them.

The type of pets that kids have will depend on their age, your

circumstances and their wants. From my own experience it is necessary to

instil in kids the responsibility that comes with pet ownership. Kids

will often see an animal in a pet store or at a friend's house and

immediately want it. It's a parent's job to remind children that pets

are for LIFE (of the animal) and that the fun of having a pet is

balanced by the responsibility of looking after it.

Pet ownership is a two -edged sword. But so is life. That's why kids

should keep pets.




Michael Grose is a popular parenting educator and parent coach. He is the director of Parent Coaching Australia, the author of six books for parents and a popular presenter who speaks to audiences in Australian Singapore and the USA. For free courses and resources to help you raise happy kids and resilient teenagers visit http://www.parentingideas.com.au




2012年7月30日 星期一

Child Care Director Talks About What Children Can Learn From Pets


Children and pets go together like peanut butter and jelly. That's why many child care centers are now including pets as a part of their programs. There are numerous benefits including teaching socialization and teaching responsibility. Of course, there are certain risks, but a prepared child care director can minimize most of these risks. Choosing a pet wisely, providing proper supervision, and teaching children the proper way to interact with animals can ensure everyone's safety.

Social Benefits of Pets

A child care center with pets can expect several social benefits for the children. This is especially true for shy children as pets tend to draw them out and give them someone to talk to. Pets also have a way of teaching children how to be gentle and kinder and this often transfers to their peers. Having a pet around can also teach children to talk quietly and not to make sudden moves. There aren't too many preschool teachers who wouldn't appreciate that!

Other Benefits of Pets

Of course, there are other benefits as well. Pets provide great sensory stimuli and can provide children with a real connection to nature that they might not get at home. Lessons on responsibility can also be incorporated into the day if children can "help" with the care of the animal or in providing it with exercise. This brings up another benefit - exercise. For children who are sedentary, a pet may provide an enjoyable opportunity for physical activity.

Risks of Pets around Children

Unfortunately, pets can also present certain risks to child care centers. First, bites and scratches can be a real problem if children are not taught to handle the animal. Health concerns such as allergies, germs, or other communicable diseases present real problems. Some children may also have fears that may prevent them from interacting with the animal. Finally, be prepared for a few tears if the pet meets an unfortunate end.

Choosing a Pet

If a child care director decides to incorporate a pet into the child care center, the most important step will be in choosing the right pet. Research the kinds of pets that work well with children and then carefully examine the pet's personality. For obvious reasons, it must be friendly to children. Growling and snapping just wouldn't do. Also make sure the animal is healthy. It should have been immunized and be free of disease and parasites such as fleas and worms.

Necessary Precautions

To minimize these risks, a child care director should take certain precautions. First make sure all parents are notified at either the time of enrollment or before introducing a pet. Also, make sure children are closely monitored when they are playing with the pets and make sure to teach the children how to interact with the animal. If the children know how to approach the animal and basics such as staying away from the pet's face and washing their hands, a lot of problems may be prevented.

So with just a few precautions in place, child care centers across the country are embracing the idea of adding pets to their program. It puts a smile on the faces of children and has so many benefits that many feel the benefits far outweigh the risks. These benefits include things such as socialization skills and teaching responsibility. The risks can be minimized with just a few precautions such as choosing the right pet, providing supervision, and teaching children the proper way to act around the animal.




Angela Walker has a passion for children, and her and her staff at Next Generation Children's Center in Reno, NV are dedicated to helping foster your child's early childhood development.

To see what else Angela is writing about visit Angela's Blog.




Pet Parenthood - Adopting The Right Pet For You!


From Lassie to Rin-Tin Tin, Flicka to Mr. Ed, Winn-Dixie to White Fang, Black Beauty to Garfield, companion animals both in the cinema and in real life have played an important role in our lives. Our animal companions offer us unconditional love, beauty, joy, loyalty, devotion, forgiveness, empathy and comfort. They amuse and entertain us. They comfort and console us. Their presence is soothing and therapeutic and the mere act of petting an animal calms us down. According to numerous studies, pets can decrease our blood pressure, cholesterol levels and even triglyceride levels. They improve our heart rate and decrease loneliness, anxiety, depression and fear. Blood pressure is reduced and resistance to disease is heightened.

They improve our emotional as well as spiritual health and well being. They improve the quality and longevity of our lives. We live in a highly technological and impersonal world with little real contact or communication with others. For many of us, our animal companions are our sole or primary link with the natural world from which we have all evolved. and as such, bring to us the solace, renewal, beauty, respite, refreshment and rejuvenation we receive from contact with Nature. They also help us to recognize what is truly important in life. There is nothing synthetic or manufactured about them - they are genuine and exactly who they appear to be and, in turn, they allow us to be who we really are. They accept us exactly as we are -unconditionally and without judgment or blame.

We learn so much from our animal companions. They serve as our friends, teachers, guides, companions, healers, helpers and beloved family members. Through their companionship we learn spontaneity and to "live in the moment" rather than dwelling on the past or fearing the future. They teach us much about life and death, illness and infirmity and the aging process. Through them, we learn a great deal about selflessness and compassion.

The decision to adopt a pet is life transforming and is, in many ways, similar to adopting a human child. The emotional and spiritual bonds that are forged between a family and their new pet are powerful and profound and last throughout one's entire life. The sentient creature will, more than likely, come to be regarded as a beloved family member, and will require loving care from the beginning of the relationship until the animal's inevitable death. The pet will share many of life's greatest and most significant events and occasions with his new family as well as the daily tasks and routines and vacations and holidays. Many beautiful and meaningful experiences and memories will be created and shared. No one will ever know you better and love you more than this pure-hearted, vulnerable creature...

Before adopting an animal companion and becoming a "pet parent", it is important, in fact, imperative to consider the many obligations and responsibilities associated with incorporating a pet into one's life and home. Among the many factors to be considered before adopting a pet are one's lifestyle - do you have time to take good care of a pet each and every day of the pet's life? Do you work long hours away from home - leaving the pet to his own devices and potential boredom and destructive behaviors? Are you able to provide an environment and "safe space" for your new pet? No matter how much your children want a pet and proclaim their willingness to care for it, are you prepared to supervise and assume ultimate responsibility for the pet's well being and care? Are you prepared to provide a pet with a healthy comfortable space to sleep, healthy and nutritional food, regular exercise? Do you have a budget that can accommodate the spaying and/or neutering of a pet, vaccinations, regular visits to the veterinarian, grooming, proper dental care, toys, crates, bowls, accessories he requires? When you leave town for business or pleasure, do you have a reliable and safe place to board the animal or serve as a pet sitter and caregiver? Do you plan to take your animal companion with you on vacations? If so, you must make certain that they are welcome and well accommodated whether by hotel/motel/ or to friends and acquaintances with whom you may be staying. Can you afford prescriptions and other medications for your animal if the need arises? You must be aware your animal is as susceptible to illness, injury and accident as humans are. Before adopting a pet make certain he is in good health by having a reliable veterinarian check him thoroughly.

Before adopting a pet, make certain you conduct careful research and study the characteristics of the animal you are considering and its needs. Read and visit web sites pertaining to the type of animal you desire and how much care and attention this pet will require and how much time and energy your lifestyle permits to accommodate these needs. Discuss the adoption thoroughly with your family members and make certain each understands his or her own responsibilities in regard to caring for the new pet. Consult with your family and friends or acquaintances who may have a similar pet along with a local veterinarian whom reliable contacts have recommended to you. Word of mouth and referrals can be very helpful.

Find as much information as you can about the amount of time and money required for the care, training and socialization of the pet you are considering. Once you have decided whether to buy an animal from a reputable breeder or to save the life and rescue an animal from a shelter or rescue organization, prepare your home for the new addition. Puppy or kitty-proof your home by removing potential health hazards and by instructing children in particular to be gentle and very careful when holding and interacting with the animal. The need for them to be gentle, kind and compassionate should be heavily emphasized and enforced. By having a pet, children can learn much about compassion, sensitivity, responsibility and respect for all living creatures.

The adoption of an animal companion should never be made in haste or impulsively. Careful thought, consideration and research are the prerequisites of sharing a long, happy, healthy, rich and rewarding life with a loved animal companion! "




DIANE POMERANCE Ph.D. is the author of six highly acclaimed books and numerous articles. She is an internationally recognized pet expert who has been interviewed on countless radio and television programs, newspapers and magazines.




Kids and Pets - Harmony on Both Ends of the Leash


According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 65 million dogs and more than 77 million cats currently reside in U.S. households. Many of those same households have or plan on having children. Old wives' tales tell of babies and cats not mixing (cat's steal babies' breaths) and of jealous dogs attacking the new center of attention. While some pets may not be well trained and may attack humans, millions of pets interact peacefully and happily with people of all ages every day.

How can you ensure your household is a place where pets and people live harmoniously? By following these simple suggestions, adapted from an article in Modern Veterinarian Practice titled "Procedures for introducing a baby to a dog":

First, even before the baby is born, make sure your pet is up on all of its vaccinations and that it is free from internal parasites. Then, begin preparing the animal for change by introducing the pet to the nursery and to baby smells, such as powder, lotion, etc. Animals suffer from stress when changes in their routine occur, so prepare the pet well in advance to get used to the idea of change. Try not to make any changes to where the pet sleeps and eats--places and things about which she or he may feel territorial. If possible, offer to baby-sit for a friend so your pet gets introduced to the concept of "baby" or "toddler." You can even play a tape of a baby crying to get the cat or dog used to hearing this sound. Some experts even encourage role-playing in front of the pet before the baby is born, such as carrying a blanket-wrapped doll to a changing table and "changing" the doll, all the while speaking to the pet about what you are doing.

After the baby is born, bring his or her blanket or clothing home from the hospital before the baby comes home from the hospital to give the pet time to adjust to the smell. Then when you bring the baby home, spend time with both the baby and the pet together, in a quiet and controlled environment. Allow the pet to sniff the baby, who will be new and exciting for the pet. Depending on the personality of your pet, especially if your pet is an active canine, this may be done better if the animal is leashed. Remember that your pet probably won't view the baby as a human being yet; some dogs may try to treat the baby as a puppy, using their mouths and paws to show who is dominant. This is why you should never leave the baby and dog together unattended, especially at the beginning of their lives together.

Your pet will get used to the baby rather quickly, but she or he still shouldn't be left alone with an infant or a toddler, ever. Toddlers tend to use pets as "walking aids", and some animals may not find this acceptable behavior from the child since it usually puts him or her in the dominant position over the animal. And also, "this will protect your child from an exuberant pet and protect your pet from an enthusiastic child," according to printed material from the Humane Society of Ottawa-Carleton.

And if your child seems to sneeze or to have sinus problems or eye problems around the pet, it is best to see an allergist. Sometimes the "allergy" is caused by pet dander; other times, it is from a product.

And as your child grows, make sure she or he knows never to tease the pet with food, or to rush a pet head-on, which is threatening to the animal. And if you take a walk with both the child and the dog, do not attach the pet's leash to baby's stroller. The dog may take off after something and take the baby with him or her, or if your dog ever gets attacked by another dog while on a walk, the stroller and child might get into the middle of a dangerous situation.

One other idea about how to get your pets and new people to be one happy family: Beyond the basic obedience classes for pets, some areas offer "Four-legged Babies"(sometimes called Pets and Babies) classes, designed for expectant couples who want to help their "dog babies" and/or "cat babies" accept their new human baby siblings. Check with your local community centers or animal shelter for class availability in your specific area.

If you'd like to read more about raising children and pets together, the following books may be of interest to you:

* Child-proofing Your Dog by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, published by Warner Books in 1994, is a short guide to preparing your older dog to accept an infant.

* Your Baby and Bowser by Stephen Rafe, reprinted and expanded by Alpine Publishing in 2004, is a 101-page guide for teaching your pets and children how to live harmoniously.

* Your Dog and Your Baby--A Practical Guide by Silvia Hartmann-Kent, published by Howln Moon Press in 1998, emphasizes anticipating and preventing problems between children and dogs, including example "action plans", and how to create trust between the three of you.




Jill L. Ferguson is a writer, editor, public speaker and professor. She frequently writes about family issues. Her novel, Sometimes Art Can't Save You, was published in October 2005 by In Your Face Ink (http://www.inyourfaceink.com).




2012年7月29日 星期日

The Best Pets For Children


Children love animals, they think that they are cute. Most children like furry animals - like dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, tarantulas.... Tarantulas? That's what our 3 year old wants for his birthday! His revelation got me to thinking. What makes the BEST pet for a child?

Our son loves spiders - small, large, garden, bedroom, bath....he wants to pet them and stroke them. A friend of ours has a son fascinated by snails and slugs - he comes home from school with pocket fulls of them! Children are great aren't they?

Personally, I'm a big fan of spiders too - I kept a tarantula for 10 years, and she was fascinating. I saw her eat, I saw her shed her skin (those things in your shed or garage that look like dead spiders are actually spider skins), I saw her spinning webs. As they are so large, you can see everything they do clearly - they are extremely easy to keep, relatively cheap to purchase, fascinating to watch and can live for up to 20 years! Amazing. I obviously, therefore, encouraged our child's enthusiasm to have a spider for his birthday! I think I'm more excited than him, although every day he asks if it's his birthday yet!

This came in a week where we have received 6 new additions to our extended pet family - 4 guinea pigs and two rough green snakes. The reptiles are mine and the mammals my wife's. We already had 17 fish (all in one tank), 2 cats, a dog, a hamster, 2 rabbits, a western hognose snake and a bearded dragon! With the new additions, that makes 31 pets...good job none of them are too much trouble!

I love reptiles and spiders - they absolutely fascinate me. I have wanted a rough green snake ever since I first saw them in a book about 22 years ago! So when I went into my favourite reptile stockists and saw two for sale, I couldn't resist asking to handle them. I fell in love - I didn't mean to come away with them, but I did! After 22 years, it was impossible not to - when the proprietor first handed me one, I was overcome with emotion, holding back the tears I let this beautiful and fascinating creature slide across my hands. Wow!

My wife has always kept guinea pigs. Ever since she was a child - personally I could not see the attraction, and 4? Okay so it started as one, as a companion for our male rabbit, which then needed one of its own with it, thus one became two. Then our second rabbit needed a companion (!) - along came number three - but the rabbit did not see eye to eye with the guinea pig (she's grumpy!), and therefore they were separated. "Can't leave him on his own," said my wife, "they MUST have company!" and so number four arrived. Two males and two females.

I have always had rabbits and think they are lovely, but never had guinea pigs. I now see the attraction! How cute are they? None aggressive, small, easily handled, and very tame, not to mention easy and cheap to purchase and care for! Perfect. They are my wife's but one by one as they came to our home, our children claimed them. The oldest had a hamster and therefore was not bothered. The middle child named the first guinea pig "Sparkles", but then said she wanted one of her own - number two was called "Wriggles" and our younger daughter has taken ownership. Number three came along and our youngest and I took ownership - I named him "G for the P-I-G" (or G Dude for short). So when number four came along my wife took ownership before she got it home! "Jazz" is "G Dude's" brother and they are living happily together.

Now I am converted, I see exactly what is good about guinea pigs. On top of everything already mentioned, they live a decent amount of time - 6-8 years - compared to say a hamster or mouse (around 2 years). They are beautiful pets, and because they are so easy to handle and have great longevity, they make the perfect pet for your young child. Your child will find them easy to love, to feed, to fuss, to handle, to melt over! For a first pet, you could not choose anything better than a guinea pig - and when your child talks to them, they will chatter back, and that's guaranteed!!




With furry best wishes

Dale Preece-Kelly

More from this author at http://www.selfhope.co.uk




Choose the Right Pet For Your Child


Children love to have pets as they are excited and attracted by the responses they get from them. It also helps them to inculcate a sense of responsibility. But the fundamental question that intrigues all parents when they set out to buy pets for their kids is - which pet is best for my child? There are a couple of things to be kept in mind when choosing pets for your children.

There are all kinds of pets available these days so you need to be clear about the size of your pet, the amount of care it will need and its dwelling place. Apart from this its food and grooming must be taken into consideration. But most importantly, how much are you willing to invest in buying a pet and maintaining it. All family members must be vaccinated against rabies and other pet related diseases too.

Certainly the age of your child will determine the size of the pet, to quite an extent. A toddler will not be able to look after its self, so taking care of a pet is out of the question. Apart from the amount of time that you and your family are going to spend with the pet, you will have to supervise the grooming of the pet. Children need to be taught that taking care of a pet is a daily responsibility. They just can not shirk their duty towards its care, even if they are bored with it.

Depending upon the type of pet you and your children decide on, the cost of its daily care. For example, if you pick a parrot, a hamster, white mice or rabbit, you will have to invest in a spacious cage, food and lodging, vet bills and annual injections, etc. The same is true for dogs or Cheshire cats, except the bills would be a bit more expensive and you will need collars, kennels in your garden, for bigger pets. When going on a holiday you may be allowed to carry a pet to some holiday locations. It is great to play and run with dogs by the beach. If you cannot take the dog with you, then you must find some one to care for it.

Pets, either big or small, all require almost daily cleaning, brushing, exercise etc., apart from food and water. If you opt for a dog, you will need to walk him and give him sufficient exercise to keep him fit. In case you keep long working hours and the children are at school, you will have to arrange for the pet to be fed. All pets love human contact, so be rest assured that when you come back from work, you will get much more than the wag of a dog's tail. It is always a good idea to spend a little quality time with your pet, just as you would do with a fellow human being. School vacations are a wonderful time to bond with the pet and understand them.




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Keep Your Pets and Kids Safe at Your North Georgia Cabin


For a dog or a small child, living in a cabin can be a huge treat, with lots of places to explore and play in. However, it's best to keep an eye out to make sure that they are safe when enjoying their time outdoors and in.

When you first buy or rent a cabin, or are coming for a visit to your vacation residence, do a walkthrough to make sure that there are no unwanted animals or insects currently residing in the home. Black widow and brown recluse spiders make their home in the North Georgia mountains and tend to like dark, undisturbed areas. Check corners, untouched items, etc for signs of these spiders. Shake out bedding, clothing, and towels if they have been left lying for a while.

Another walkthrough outside is necessary to make sure that there are no poisonous plants or animals residing in the immediate area. Poison ivy can make a vacation wretched for a child or pet that stumbles into it. Some ornamental plants that thrive in many Georgia homes and gardens can pose a threat, such as Lily-of-the-valley and oleander, as well as common plants like buttercups and bracken ferns. Teach your child not to eat anything found in the woods unless given permission and keep your pets on a leash until you've checked out the immediate area.

Georgia is home to 6 varieties of poisonous snake: the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Coral, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake and the Pigmy Rattlesnake. Children and pets are much more susceptible to the poison of these snakes than adults and special measures might have to be taken to discourage snakes from viewing your home as their home. Most of the time, snakes won't bother people and pets if they are not bothered, but children and pets tend to be curious and heedless of danger.

Most wild animals don't pose a threat to your pets and children. However, there is always the chance that your child or pet might surprise a wild animal. Bears are common in the north Georgia mountains and can be aggressive if surprised or if they are searching for food. Teach your child not to approach or feed any wild animal, no matter how cute or non-threatening looking. Teach them what to do if they encounter a bear. Tell them not to stick their hands in dark places without making sure that there's nothing in there that might take offense to their intrusion.

Pets should be kept under control when allowed outside; if they are not absolutely reliable about sticking around and coming when called, it's best to keep them on a leash. A pet can harass wildlife and pick up parasites and diseases by running in the woods, eating tainted meat or fighting with a wild animal infected with a virus. Rabies is still alive and well in the southern U.S.; make sure your pet is up-to-date on its vaccinations. Also, the stories about dogs leading bears back to their owners are not all legend. Keep your pet under control.

Wildlife and plants are not the only things that can be dangerous for your children and pets in northern Georgia. The wilderness holds many natural dangers, such as cliffs, rivers, inhospitable climates and, of course, the lack of directional signs. Your children should be taught how to avoid getting lost and, if they do become lost, what to do. Proper attire is also imperative to dealing effectively to sudden weather changes. A light rain shell doesn't add much weight to a pack and can mean the difference between soaked and relatively dry.

A wholesome respect for the power of natural features will also not go amiss. Rivers can be deceptively fast and deep, as well as having hidden undertows and currents. Cliffs and ravines can be tricky to traverse safely. With these, as with just about every aspect of the north Georgia wilderness, common sense and education go a long way to keeping your children safe.

Pets, as always, should be controlled and prevented from dashing headlong into an unknown stretch of water or down a new path. Even a strong swimmer can be overcome by an unexpected current or slip on a crumbling path. Obedience training is a must for dogs taken into wilderness areas, even if they are never let off the leash.

Prevention is the key to having a fun time at the family cabin. Teaching children how to respect the environment and what is in it will keep them safe. Training and controlling pets will keep them safe as well, so that you can focus on the many natural beauties surrounding you at your north Georgia cabin.




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2012年7月28日 星期六

How to Choose a Pet For Your Child


It can be confusing when you're trying to choose a pet for your child. You have to strike a balance between what your child wants, what will most benefit them as a pet, and what pet is safe for them. Obviously, the first thing you need to do is to ask your child what pet they want. Then you need to consider whether it's possible to have that kind of pet, particularly considering the environment the pet is going to be in. For example, you can't have a great big dog if you live in a small apartment.

The next thing to consider is whether or not your child is responsible enough to look after the pet. Does the pet require much care? Consider the amount of commitment your child is likely to have towards looking after a needy pet. Does your child tend to stick to things, or do they tend to give up on them once the novelty has worn off?

You also need to consider how squeamish your child is. Would they mind if a gerbil was to make a mess in their hand? Also, would your child be able to feed the pet? If your child is fussy, then you need a clean pet that looks after itself, such as a cat.

But you also need to consider how energetic and active your child is. Or, to look at it another way, how active do you want your child to be? Owning a dog is a great excuse for a child to get out and get some exercise every day.







My Children Want a Pet - Should I Give in?


As a child I was never allowed to have any pets that could walk around, so I had to settle for caring for my fish and playing and petting my friends' dogs. The bond is not as big when physical contact is missing.

There are many benefits for children who have pets; here are the top five that might make you reconsider even if you know this will represent more work for you at home.

1. A pet can make your child build self-esteem and self-confidence. The affection they get from a pet might give them the acceptance that they sometimes do not find so easily at school.

2. A pet can be the recipient of thoughts and secrets. Many children have imaginary friends, others talk to their pets. It is nothing to worry about, just a sign of how close the relationship is to their pets.

3. Through pets children learn about facts of life such as illnesses, accidents, reproduction and birth, death and grief. They get to see their pets go through the circle of life and learn important lessons for their own future, when they get to those stages of life themselves.

4. Children also learn about responsibility through their pets. They need to be fed, taken to the vet regularly, get bathed, taken out for walks and they will also make messes that your children should help to clean.

5. The way children treat their pets is a sign of their emotional stability. The norm is that there will be a close bond and affection between the child and the pet. If not, that would point to a possible emotional problem.

Benefits definitely outweigh the occasional clean up and care that will be required, and in the long run even the adults will not resist that little creature that is ready to provide unconditional love. A pet can be an invaluable companion for anybody. Plus, if you want to set the example, you yourself will need to teach your child how to care and interact with your pet.




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What Are the Best Pets For Children?


What are the best pets for children? If you have a child, getting a pet for them can be one of the greatest things you can do for them, as it will allow them to learn about animals and also learn about the responsibility of looking after a pet. But it is important to get the best pet for your child.

Cats make great pets because they tend to mainly look after themselves. They just need feeding and their litter tray to be cleaned, but apart from that they don't need constant attention, yet they are so cute and cuddly and most children will love having cats around.

Dogs tend to be more demanding, needing more constant attention, and also needing to be taken out for walks. This will take time out of a child's day, but in the long run the child will learn more about the responsibility side of owning a pet.

For children that live in small apartments where space is more of a factor, smaller pets might be more ideal. Goldfish are very simple pets to look after, and don't require much space. Birds are another option, as they can be kept in a cage to stop them flying around too much. Rats are easy to care for, although some children might not like the idea of owning a rat. If that is the case, then maybe consider getting a guinea pig, as they very sweet natured and also easy to care for. However, one thing to remember with guinea pigs is that they have a high need for vitamin C to prevent scurvy.







2012年7月27日 星期五

Young Children And Pups


For as long as I can remember there has been a dog around our home. We've had muts, dogs with long pedigrees, rescued dogs, and dogs we've looked after while other members of the family were away on holidays.

The purpose of this article is to flag some issues a potential dog owner needs to think about when introducing a pup into a home where there are small children. I start from the belief that dogs and children go together like a horse and cart. However, because of a child's unpredictability there are, however, a few issues that need flagged.

Not every dog is suitable for a child and equally not every child is suitable for a dog! From my observations most of the problems arise with children under the age of six. If you are thinking of taking a dog into your home when you have children of this age then you must think long and hard before making the decision.

My main concern would be with large dogs. The majority of larger dogs have been bred as guard dogs, or have a history of aggression, they are generally high-energy dogs and if excited may well knock children over.

Parents with a small family are generally very busy people, more so if it's a one parent family. Question. Have you the time to look after a high maintenance dog like a Dachshund?

Here is a smallish dog, they're comical and entertaining and don't really need a lot of exercise. They also socialize well with people and other family pets and have a long life span.

But the longhaired variety will need constant brushing and combing, and both it and the smooth variety shed more hair than you might think. They also tend to have a 'distinctive odour,' which may be unacceptable around children. From a vetenary view point an alarming number become crippled or paralyzed in middle age due to disk disease in their long backs.

Now I'm not knocking the Dachshund, it is a lovely animal, I'm using it by way of illistration with and asking would this fit in your families lifestyle?

It's not my intention to make recommendations because every family situation is different; what is right for you may not be right for you next door neighbour!

Now you've carried out your research, the next step is to gather up the essentials and puppy-proof you home. Your puppy is going to need a place his own space, a cage or crate will fit the bill. Purchases one that is big enough for him to use as an adult.

The pup will need food and water bowls, toys to chew on and play with, a collar and leash, a bag of a good quality dry puppy food, and plenty of newspapers!

When the puppy arrives try and insure it has some settling in time, a day or two, before the children play wit it. Set down rules for the children and ensure they stick by them. I strongly recommend that a dog is not allowed to sleep in the bed with children, it can cause medical and behavioural problems.

Its vitat that you teach your childre how to treat the dog, plan on spending lots of time training the dog and the children. A dog is for life so spend the time now to avoid difficulties in the future.

Educate yourself. Buy and read training books: consider enrolling your puppy in an obedience class. Well-trained dogs are a joy to be around and a requirement when children are involved.

A common worry for parents is how a dog will react when a new baby comes along. This is a major subject in its own right but generally speaking most family dogs do not react badly. Like the other children they will be curious and may feel left out but these feelings soon pass.

Problems start when the baby becomes a toddler it's then both toddler and dog get in each others way! My personal opinion is that by this time the dog will have come to know and accept the child and will even be protective towards it: but safety must come first, I recommend, not separation, but keeping them apart as much as possible.

Like all things to do with dogs a little common sense goes a long way and if you know your dog there should be few problems.




Kevin Hart lives in Armagh City, Ireland. He is an author and researcher. More articles on babies and toddlers can be found on his website at http://www.dogs-worldwide.com




The Trend Of Getting Pet Memorial Jewelry Is Catching On Across The World!


Pets are good company for people of all ages. They add pleasure to life since they are loyal and they bring life to most homes. Pets give unconditional love and comfort to the owner and they share in most of the good times and the bad times. They eventually become members of the family and they end up becoming best friends. Some pets such as cats, dogs, parrots, and horses are known to save people's lives in different circumstances. It is important to treat pets as if they are part of the family, or as friends.

Everybody who has a pet has to deal with pet loss every now and then, since there are no many pets that can outlive the owners. For that reason, many people look for ways for keeping memories of their pets. Children and some adults are accustomed to taking photos and framing them when the pets are gone. Others make sure that they keep offspring of the pets to continue their linage. There is a new trend of getting memorial jewelry to commemorate pets after they are gone. Jewelry can be worn by anybody at any time to help deal with the loss of a pet.

Comfort jewelry is becoming popular especially with children and teens, although any individual regardless of age or preference can have one made for him or her. The good thing about jewelry is being versatile since they come in many types and you can custom make your own. There are many different types of jewelry for grieving pet owners. The most common ones are chains that are customized with lockets, which carry the photo of the pet. The locket can also have an engraving of the pet's name together with a lovely message from the owner. An individual can wear small lockets on bracelets and anklets. The jewelry carries the pets' memories and these help people to remember their pets for a long time.

Some people wear jewelry pieces with engraved animal parts to commemorate their pets. These could have anything from feathers, paws, or faces of animals engraved on them. Furthermore, some people have their watches, earrings, and other pieces customized to remember their pets. Some jewelry is made with hollow parts that can hold cremation ashes. These are made in such a way that the ashes are sealed into the piece and the pet's memory can stay with the custodian forever.

There are some special lockets for boys, which have features that look good on boys. They come in chunky straps and pendants as well as the detail. Some are custom made for girls since they come in soft colors such as blue, purple pink and more. They have glitter detail of sparkling jewels. You can find pieces that are unisex as well as some for all ages. Go to stores that sell customized jewelry and they will direct you on where you can get custom work done. Online shops can also provide you with the specific kind of pieces that you want. Happy shopping!




Before buying pet memorial jewelry online, make sure that you have done extensive research and confirm that the vendor is authentic.




Goldfish and Betta Fish Make Great First Pets For Children


Goldfish and Betta Fish are fish that can live in a fishbowl or an aquarium. They are a lot of fun without a lot of work.

Children can learn caring and compassion for others by having an animal to care for and develop an understanding of responsibility. Parents and adults are the ultimate caregivers though, and should not turn a child of any age loose with the full responsibility for any animal. Always supervise, setting and enforcing boundaries and rules. Fish should not be touched with a persons hands as their skin can be damaged very easily. Make it clear to your child that the fish is a living thing with needs both like and unlike his/her own.

The simplest way to keep a fish is to have one that requires only a bowl without the filter and pump setup of an aquarium. Not all fish can live in a bowl. There are two good candidates: Goldfish and Bettas. They can live in a bowl because they naturally gulp air at the surface. Most fish don't do this.

First thing, decide which kind of fish you want and how many. Then get supplies together to house your fish. Your local pet store is well equipped to help you do this and there is generally someone knowledgeable available to work with you. Ask questions. These people usually know a lot and are happy to help.

Goldfish are an excellent choice to start with. I believe they are the best of the two choices. There are many different types of goldfish. The basic goldfish, or Comet, is the least expensive. They may be available in gold or gold with some white markings. There are specialty goldfish with fan tails, calico coloring, bubble eyes, lions head, and others. All are beautiful, hardy, easy to care for and fun to watch. All can grow fairly large and live long lives. Make sure the bowl you choose is large enough that your fish has some room to swim around and room to grow. A gallon of water is O.K. for two small fish but, remember, they will grow! Take that into consideration.

Goldfish can learn to interact with you, coming to the surface for food, taking a bit of a treat from your fingers, nibbling your fingers, and other things. Goldfish food can be found in flake form in the pet store. Do not over feed your goldfish. Just a small pinch of food twice a day is plenty-as much as they can consume in about two minutes. Some goldfish will eat other things as well, but only for treats and only sometimes. It won't hurt them to have a couple of bread crumbs (no more!) from time to time, or a bit of lettuce.

Bettas, or Siamese Fighting Fish come in several colors with draping fins and tails. You have probably seen them in your local pet store alone in small bowls or even plastic cups. To house them long term they should really have more space than that. Usually these are male fish, but sometimes you will see females also.

Do not try to keep more than one Betta in a bowl, and never put them with other types of fish. They must be kept singly. They are called fighting fish because they are very aggressive and will kill one another. The females are less aggressive and probably won't try to kill other fish unless they are much smaller. A single Betta fish keeps very quiet and still most of the time. Pet stores often sell setups for Bettas, complete with bowl, decorations, food-everything you need to get started with a Betta fish. Betta food is in pellet form and will float on the surface of the water. Usually Bettas need just one or two pellets a day as they are not active fish.

Goldfish and Bettas need to have their bowl kept clean or they will get sick. Remember that they live, breathe and eat in the same environment in which they poop. Not a pleasant thought. You should clean your fishbowl about once a week.

To remove your fish from the bowl, use a net gently and carefully catch it and place it carefully into another bowl with some of its water. Cover the top so your fish won't jump out. Dump out the old water from the fishbowl. If you have gravel, plants or other decorations in the bowl, rinse them well with hot water. Rinse out the bowl with hot water and wipe out the inside with a paper towel or clean cloth. Algae can grow on the inside of the bowl and cause a green slime on the surface of the glass. Never use cleaners of any kind. They are poison to fish in any amount. Refill the bowl using bottled spring water. It is pure, contains beneficial minerals, and requires no chemicals to make it safe for your fish. Never, ever use distilled water or plain tap water. If you must use tap water then make sure you have a de-chlorinating additive to make it safe for your fish.

Goldfish and Betta Fish make great first pets for children. They require a little care and attention but are not an overwhelming responsibility. They are not terribly expensive to purchase or to maintain and are lots of fun to watch.







2012年7月26日 星期四

Stuffed Pillow Pets Make Cuddly Friends For Small Children


The cute and furry pillow pets advertised and seen in many stores are fun for small children. They are also very functional for long trips and short weekend stays with friends or family. They come in many different animal shapes, which makes them a great gift idea for nearly any child who has a favorite zoo character. The product combines the functionality of a pillow and overnight bag with the looks of a stuffed animal.

What makes these items so fun are the various bright colors and facial expressions. Each animal has its own color scheme. The red and black ladybug, yellow and black bumblebee or the light blue and sea colored dolphin are among the many options. There are dogs, monkeys, pandas, unicorns and many more to choose from. The entire collection includes 12 different animals, divided into farm, sea and zoo animals.

What makes these products so handy is the strap that keeps them folded and closed when not in use. This is a great feature for storing a small blanket, pajamas or an extra pair of clothes. The hook and loop is easy for even the smallest of children to manipulate.

The pillow pets are made of a fabric that is very soft to the touch and remains soft after washing when instructions are followed carefully. They are machine washable when placed inside a white pillow case and washed on the gentle cycle with cold water. Children will enjoy snuggling with them at bed time or using them for a short afternoon nap. There are so many different animal options that even large families can buy a different one for each child. For a complete list and pictures of each selection offered, you can visit the official product website. This is also where the items can be purchased.

There are some advantages to making the purchase online. The various animals can be purchased in many retail and drug stores. However, stores do not offer discounts after the first animal purchased. When ordering online, each additional animal is $5 less than the original $19.95 price. Most stores sell each subsequent animal at the full price. In addition, after the first online order, there is the option of selecting the blanket or backpack.

One of the advantages of having a product like this is that kids may not need other stuffed animals on the bed, which can be detrimental to those suffering from allergies. Not only do pillow pets make great gifts for kids, they are a good option for expectant mothers at baby showers and for grandparents who have grandchildren visiting frequently.




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Are Aquariums Suitable for Children?


Most children are fascinated with animals and want a dog, a cat, two birds, a horse and some fish. But are fish and aquariums suitable for children. The answer to this question is to a very high degree depending on how old your child is. Children under 12-14 years are not suitable to keep an aquarium by themselves and will need help from their parents or some other adult to maintain their aquariums. The child can take care of the daily care such as the feeding of the fish. They will however require help with larger undertakings such as changing the water in the aquarium and cleaning the electrical equipment.

Small children under 5-7 years of age should not be entrusted with the care of any animal including fish. This is not to say that small animals shouldn't have pets but rather to say that the parents understand that the pet is their responsibility and not the child's. A child in this age group can benefit a lot from being allowed to interact with animal, se fish swim and feed the fish but is not ready to care for the animal themselves. As an example can be said that children off this age group only should be allowed to feed the fish when a parent is present. It isn't an uncommon event that children tries to be kind to the fish by feeding them the entire can of fish food causing a biological disaster, and if not discovered and corrected the death of all the fish in the aquarium within a matter of hours.

Small children under 5-7 years should never be allowed to change water in the aquarium or work with the electric equipment used in the aquarium due to the risk of injury.

Some parents might think that a fish is a good pet for a child since it require less care than say a dog and are cheaper. This is only partly true. A fish requires good care to remain healthy and the parents should expect that they will have to do a certain amount of work to keep their child's fish alive and healthy. True it didn't cost that much but it is still a living thing and does as such deserve to be threaded with care. Expect that an aquarium will require 5 minutes of your time each day for daily care and an hour each week for partial water changes etc.

Remember that a small aquarium requires more work than a large one. You should therefore never buy a small goldfish bowl or other small aquarium for your child. It might seem easier but requires a lot more work and only experienced aquarists should keep fish in small aquariums. I recommend an aquarium of at least 25-30 gallon (around 100 L) as a first aquarium for your child. Anything smaller will give you a lot of extra work and most likely more dead fish. A little larger aquarium also allows you the luxury to choose between more fish for your aquarium. So what fish should you choose to your child?

Some fish species are more suitable than others for children. First of, a child should never be allowed to keep toxic or otherwise potentially harmful fish species. Secondly the fish should be hardy enough to be easy to take care of, accept flake food and other easily storable foods and be calm enough not to be stressed by the children playing near the aquarium, tapping on the glass etc. Suitable fish includes many livebearers, barbs and tetras. Always buy fish that are suitable for you aquarium and don't just let your child by the fish he think is most beautiful, coolest or otherwise most appealing without considering their demands.

And don't forget that you as a parent have to do your research so that you know how to take care of an aquarium before letting your child get one. It might be your child that is getting an aquarium but you are getting the responsibility.




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2012年7月25日 星期三

Children and Dogs


A common misunderstanding that dogs will be gentle and loving to infants or a child can cause injury to a child or a pet. This is a very dangerous assumption and putting the child at risk. Unless the dog has grown up with a child it may get frantic at sudden moves or noises. Never leave a child alone with a family dog or pet or a strange dog even if they seem to be ok.

Children can set a dog off with loud noises or sudden moves toward the dog. Parents need to teach their children to respect all animals and approach them with caution even the family pet. Children really don't know about pets until the parent teaches them how to treat the animal.

Never approach any dog or pet without having the owner's permission and when you have permission always treat the dog very kind and gentle. Never rush toward a dog or pet as you may scare them into some kind of panic and make them attack.

A lot of dogs are not comfortable around children because they are not around them much. One way to help this situation is to take your dog for walks around playgrounds. This will help the dog become used to the sounds and movements of children. When letting a child pet your dog make sure to hold your dog with both arms so the dog knows that it is safe from harm. This will help your dog become more comfortable with children.

If you have raised a dog and have no children then problems can start when you have friends over that have children. The dog is not used to the noise and movements of children and can cause problems with a normally very calm dog.

A dog can get to a point of panic and strike out in self-defense not knowing that children are just playing. When children pull their tail or ears or mess around with their food dish this is an invasion of the dog's space. Even playing with toys and making loud noises can set a dog off.

If you think there may be a problem with your dog or something happens to set the dog off then remove the dog from the problem area. If you will make the effort to train your dog to be around children then in most cases you will not have any issues with mixing your dog with friends or children. Remember that animals can even turn on their masters under extreme circumstances.




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A Pet Companion for Your Child


A pet can be a wonderful thing for a child. Not only can they provide lover and friendship, but they can also spark a child's intellect and further the mind's understanding and comprehension of the world. What kind of pet should one get? Well, there are many choices, but one of the best might be a dog. They are called man's best friend for a reason.

Most children love animals. Most children beg their parents for a pet if they don't already have one. Children love the affection that a pet can give. They love the fun they can have with one. They're a friend when no one else is around. They're a relief and comfort when things get too sad or tough in life. They're a great way to get a child to be more active and take on responsibilities of helping to take care of a pet.

Why a dog and not another pet?

Dogs generally provide the most interaction with humans, especially children. Cats can be very anti-social to children, particularly smaller ones. Unlike dogs, they don't show so much attention towards babies either and probably won't be as entertaining or amusing to the young child.

Rodents, birds and other caged animals take much longer to get adjusted to their new family. A child won't really understand how to properly react and treat these creatures to get them to be more affectionate with them. Dogs are more social and therefore can be the best choice to being a child's pet companion.

When is a good time to get a pet?

It's never a bad time to get a pet, but having one already accustomed and a part of the family before having a child can be a good idea. This isn't always able to be planned, of course, but having a pet before working on having children can be a good idea for the future parents too. This is a good idea because it can get the pet trained and keep all attention on this training.

People worry that the pet might become jealous of the child. This is only true if the owners neglect the pet and focus solely on the child. The thing to remember that the pet is still a family member and isn't just a placeholder until something "better" comes along.

Why get a pet before having a child?

There are a few important reasons here. Along with the already stated getting the pet adjusted with its owners and trained, it also allows the child to get used to the pet growing up. It can really strengthen their bond. The dog may see the child as more of a family member than just an owner. It can be more protective and loving as the child grows up. This can help to assure that the dog will know not to play too rough with the child and also to keep a close eye on the child, almost like a friendly chaperone.

What are the benefits to the baby?

A baby is constantly learning new things and adjusting to the world. Their minds are developing everything and anything they will need to survive, to live, to experience their life. One example is their understanding of nature and animals. A pet can be both a way to learn and a way to amuse the child while still being a pet and a friend to the family.

The child's curious mind can further develop with the interaction of the dog. Not only does it help the child to understand what a dog is, but it also helps the child to develop concepts of color, movement, texture, friendship, and new sensations. The dog will amuse the child and interest their mind to further try to figure out what this thing is. This is not to say that the dog is a toy. It is always a pet and a family member, but it can hold more interest and curiosity to the child that will help development.

A pet isn't just something to get because you want a child to be happy. It is a huge responsibility and requires a lot of time and attention. But it is important to realize how much a child's growth from the early years, to teen and adult years, is affected positively by a good pet. Animals can be great friends and provide a lot to all of us regardless of our age. Getting your child to love animals at a young age can help them have a better appreciation for the world and teach them life lessons effectively and positively.




Jake Rose is an artist and an author from Massachusetts.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.BabyNameVote.Com which is a site for Baby Names.




Helping Your Kids Cope With The Death Of A Pet


Children and pets share a very special bond. Pets are loving and affectionate and fun to play with. Pets provide entertainment, companionship, friendship and camaraderie. They are privy to children's deepest feelings and secrets. They never blame or yell at children; rather, they offer unconditional love, loyalty and affection. They do not judge, and they always forgive...They offer a safe haven and a zone of comfort and security wherein children are able to let down their guard and be themselves without experiencing worry or anxiety about failing or being judged.

Children not only play with their pets, but also spend quality time with them. The pet is present during many of a child's most precious and memorable occasions. Children and pets watch TV together; do homework together; go on walks together, eat meals together, spend birthdays and holidays together - they may even sleep together. It is of no importance to the pet what a child is wearing, how attractive he or she is, how shy or outgoing or how intelligent he or she is The pet loves the child no matter what. The mere act of stroking a pet offers children as well as adults decreased stress, anxiety, frustration and depression.

For many children, the loss of a beloved companion animal is the first profound and significant loss they experience. Depending upon the intensity of the relationship shared between the child and animal, this loss can be very painful, even devastating to a child. The child may experience emotions he has never before felt and be unable to cope with these feelings. He may feel, sad, lonely, angry, hurt, guilty, anxious, frustrated and depressed all at the same time. He may have many questions about the death of his animal friend. For example, "why did my pet die?" "why couldn't I or my parents or the vet save him?" "What happens when a pet or a human dies?" "What was the purpose of my pet's life?" 'Will I ever see my pet again?" "Will my pet go to heaven?"

It is always best to offer sympathy, compassion and empathy for the child, and to discuss the pet's death as honestly and straightforwardly as possible. You may wish to view the pet's death as an opportunity to discuss life and death and religion and spirituality with your child. It is important to teach the child that death is not "bad" or to be feared - simply an inevitable experience of all living creatures that are born and a part of the cycle of life. An analogy as to the changing seasons may help the child to relate to the different phases of life; spring for the birth of life; summer for life's flourishing; autumn for the harvest or waning of life; winter as death.

It is rarely, if ever, a good idea to protect or shield the child from the truth. Inevitably, the child will experience loss many times throughout his life, and it is wise to provide him with the tools that will enable him to cope with and recover from grief. It is helpful to teach the child to openly and honestly express his feelings without fear of being judged or ridiculed. Grief is the normal, healthy and natural response to loss. There is nothing wrong with feeling sad or shedding tears. Tears are healing for boys and girls, and no one should be made to feel ashamed or embarrassed to cry.

A grieving child seldom displays or reveals the depth or degree of sorrow and suffering she is experiencing. But be on the alert for behavioral changes - isolation, secretiveness, acting out in anger, short temper, impatience, etc. Any dramatic behavioral change should be noted and addressed. It is extremely helpful to encourage the child to speak/express her feelings whatever they may be in as comfortable, nonjudgmental and supportive environment as possible. Refrain from blame or criticism; allow the child to tell you the truth. Let the child know that you, too, loved and are missing the pet. If you have ever lost a pet, you might wish to share your grieving experience with your child.

Conduct a memorial service and funeral involving the entire family. Each family member can eulogize the pet - what happy moments did you share? What did you and your child learn from the animal companion - from your relationship with him? What qualities about your pet did you admire? Remember the happy times you shared.

Encourage your child to ask questions and to discuss them not only with the family, but also in school, in church or synagogue, with grief counselors, etc. Suggest that the child express his feelings verbally, as well as write to or about the pet, draw pictures of the pet, make a photo album of the special times you spent together, sing a song about the pet, do a dance for the pet, etc. and share this with others who are sympathetic. Above all, encourage your child to mourn the pet, and then, celebrate the beautiful relationship he shared with the animal

Use the experience of the loss of a pet to teach your child that loss is inevitable - that he will experience many types of loss throughout his life such as loss of a parent, divorce or separation of parents, graduation, moving from one place to another, loss of safety, off of troops in a war; loss of trust, loss of public heroes and leaders (i.e. President Reagan); etc. Your child can effectively cope with and recover from grief by identifying that he is grieving, by expressing his grief truthfully, unashamedly and openly with friends and family members who are sympathetic, and by recognizing that life is ephemeral and to be fully lived, valued and appreciated. Teach him that the memory of a life well lived and the love, joy and knowledge one acquires through a relationship with a beloved animal companion is precious, everlasting and irreplaceable.




DIANE POMERANCE received her Ph.D. in Communications in 1979 from the University of Michigan, and has written the highly acclaimed children's nonfiction book on pet loss, "When Your Pet Dies" which teaches children how to cope with and recover from the loss of a beloved companion animal as well as those inevitable losses in life. She is also the author of "Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers & Guides", "Animal Companions: In Our Hearts, Our Lives & Our World.", Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging Animal Companions", "Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion", and her most recent book "Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You." Dr. Pomerance counsels those mourning the loss of a beloved companion animal. As a writer, teacher, counselor and animal lover, she recognizes that the loss of a pet can be devastating to adults as well as children. For over 25 years, she has also worked in a wide variety of capacities in the entertainment industry both in New York and Los Angeles, including production work with such programs as NBC's Sports NFL shows.




2012年7月24日 星期二

Top Pets for Children


Adopting a pet for your children can be a great opportunity to subconsciously teach them some major life lessons. It can prepare them for many obstacles in life such as death, responsibility and care and realise the importance of health and well-being. Having an animal is a brilliant way of helping your children grow into responsible and mature adults - but make sure that they are monitored whenever they are cleaning or handling their pets.

Some pets are better for kids than others as the care of some is extremely laborious and your little ones may not be able to care for them efficiently. Here are the top five pets for children:

Goldfish - This type of fish does not require a lot of care and maintenance and it can really teach your pet the importance of regular feeding and cleaning. Goldfish are also extremely cheap to maintain and they are a fantastic pet to keep allowing your child to develop.

Hamsters - Hamsters are an extremely brilliant pet to keep for your children as they do not have a very long life-span, so they are not a life-long commitment, and they are easy to maintain. These rodents can teach your kids the importance of cleaning, exercise and general care. In comparison to other animals, they are also inexpensive to keep and are a fantastic way of providing your little one with a cute and fluffy friend.

Dogs - It takes a lot of effort to care for a dog but they are loyal and kind - being more of a family household pet than a child's own. When getting a dog you need to realise that you are going to need to put a lot of effort into the care of this particular canine companion. Dogs can be an extra addition to the family and can most definitely act as a friend. Regular walks with your dog and child can also keep everyone fit and healthy and realise the importance of exercise.

Rabbits - Rabbits are an extremely appealing pet for children as they are fluffy and loving creatures. It is also popular to keep a household rabbit so it can almost act as a cat - making it a lot more of an addition to the household. These can be a great pet for a child who does not yet have the responsibility of caring for a dog and want a furry pet.

If you are considering adopting a pet for the home and for your children then you will also have to be responsible for the pet's health and well-being. Although this may be a downfall, it is extremely healthy and beneficial to adopt an animal and bring it into your loving family.




Jade Jennison is an enthusiastic writer in many subject matters and aims to provide information to people who share the same interests as her own. The websites recommended by Jade have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Take a look at the pet supplies available online from Snack and Tack to find affordable ways of adopting an animal into your home and helping your children develop.




Children And Pet Loss


Children and pets often forge a deep, powerful lifelong bond and share a very special and meaningful relationship. They are best friends as well as companions who spend quality time with each other playing, exercising, watching television and listening to the radio, interacting with friends and other family members, sleeping, spending holidays and even vacations together! It is increasingly common to regard and treat our pets as beloved "family members", and children are usually delighted to have this non-threatening, non-combative "sibling". Children seem to understand that their animal companions love them just as they are and that they don't need to pretend to be someone they are not, or to look or dress a certain way. Kids can just be themselves.

Children trust their animal companions and confide in them. They share their goals, dreams, secrets and confidences knowing that the pet will never betray - or judge - them. Children let down their guard and express their true feelings with a pet without fear of being dismissed, misunderstood, judged, blamed or criticized. They share a large portion of their lives, which they could not or would not share with other human beings.

The loss of a beloved animal companion is often the first significant loss a child experiences. Although the child may lose a relative - or friend - the impact of this kind of loss is not nearly as devastating as is the loss of one who is trustworthy, devoted and unconditionally loving and has always "been there" for him. Like adults, children grieve, and each child grieves differently and for a different period of time. Some children will withdraw or isolate and become quiet and pensive. Others may become angry and "act out". Others will not be able to focus or concentrate on homework and other tasks. Their grief depends on the depth and intensity of the relationship they had with the deceased pet. It may also depend on how many previous losses they have experienced. Like adults, children should be encouraged to understand - to identify- that they are grieving and to express their genuine feelings openly and honestly.

Adults should encourage children to discuss their feelings. Adults can offer sympathy, empathy and support, and can help children to understand that their feelings are normal - that it is natural and healthy to grieve losses of any kind. Holding a funeral or memorial service and eulogizing the pet with friends and family members are helpful. Whenever possible, it is advisable to be factual and concrete. Reading books together about pet loss is also beneficial. Encourage the child to express her feelings by writing or singing or drawing the pet or putting together a photo album. The loss of a loved animal companion affords parents a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the concepts of birth and death and the circle and cycles of life. Children should be encouraged to mourn, honor, and celebrate their pet's life, and if, and when they are ready, to adopt another wonderful animal companion.




DIANE POMERANCE received her Ph.D. in Communications in 1979 from the University of Michigan, and has written the highly acclaimed children's nonfiction book on pet loss, "When Your Pet Dies" which teaches children how to cope with and recover from the loss of a beloved companion animal as well as those inevitable losses in life. She is also the author of "Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers & Guides", "Animal Companions: In Our Hearts, Our Lives & Our World.", Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging Animal Companions", "Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion", and her most recent book "Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You." Dr. Pomerance counsels those mourning the loss of a beloved companion animal. As a writer, teacher, counselor and animal lover, she recognizes that the loss of a pet can be devastating to adults as well as children. For over 25 years, she has also worked in a wide variety of capacities in the entertainment industry both in New York and Los Angeles, including production work with such programs as NBC's Sports shows "NFL Live" and "Grandstand", PBS' "MacNeill/Lehrer Report", and "Bill Moyer's Journal."




4 Important Steps to Establishing Natural Pet Health


Certainly in my ten plus years as an advocate and active participant in the area of natural health for pets I have seen what was once an obscure niche market grow into one that almost everyone knows a little something about. This is a great thing as far as I am concerned with the advent of newer, higher quality products designed to treat everything from a bad attitude to chronic illnesses. But if someone asked you to define natural health for pets or natural medicine for pets what would you say?

For me natural health for pets is a combination of lifestyle, diet, and the use of natural medicine when called for. The whole premise of natural medicine is based on these five cornerstones: do no harm, nature has healing powers, identifying and treating the cause, prevention is the best cure and establish health and wellness. There are probably others but most would agree that it would be difficult to mount a viable argument against any of these five cornerstones. Next let's move on to four things that are very important in achieving natural pet health.

*Is your pet drinking enough water? Most pet owners would instinctively say "Yes" but water consumption can change due to many factors including age. One of the leading causes of illness in pets is bacterial infection entering through the urethra and binding to the urinary tract leading to bladder and possible kidney infection. Dehydration also puts a drag on the immune system opening the door for illness. There are many other potential problems as well so make sure your pet is drinking enough clean fresh water.

*Diet: A big part of natural health for pets revolves around diet and nutrition. The keyword here is balanced. For example diets too high in magnesium can cause bladder or kidney stones. On one of my recent trips to the pet food store I couldn't help but notice how specialized pet foods have become with specially formulated blends for senior citizen pets and youngsters alike. While you probably know this what you may not know that a recent study in dogs determined that feeding them three serving of vegetables a week dramatically reduced their chances of certain types of cancer. So make sure your pet children eat their vegetables.

*Exercise: One very important part of natural health for pets revolves around exercise. Research has shown that active pets are less likely to become ill. So take a few minutes every day to give a little love combined with exercise they will repay you many times over.

*Reduce stress: Research is starting to reveal that stress is one of the most dangerous and damaging obstacles in achieving natural health for pets. Animals are very sensitive. Take this into account the next time you move their food station or their environment is compromised in some way.

In summary, water, diet, exercise, and stress reduction is a good place to start in establishing a viable natural pet health plan. Additionally, many pet owners have found that homeopathic natural pet health remedies containing Echinacea and Astragalus are a good way to boost immune system function thus adding to the effectiveness of any natural pet health plan.




Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field of natural pet health and wellness.
Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com




2012年7月23日 星期一

Pet Parties - The Latest Craze


As the baby-boomers are taking the lead, in ever-growing numbers, as pet owners, so is pet spoiling and the 'special pet events' phenomenon. Baby-boomers, who are primarily empty-nesters are replacing their grown children with pets and spoiling those pets as they used to spoil their children.

Pet parties are one of the newest crazes; birthday and holiday parties with and for pets. They include activities and goodies for both the pets and their humans. Pet 'birthday' parties top the list, especially for dogs and then cat parties rank as a distant second. They vary from a group of pet owners and their pets going to lunch or dinner at a pet friendly restaurant to parties at the park or backyard house events. Pet-care facilities (doggy daycare sites and pet hotels) are another option to consider if you don't have room for a home party.

As with Halloween... with pet 'dress-up events' or just having your pet at a conventional gathering or party, there are lots of factors to consider. Will the pets on the guest list get along? Are your human guests pet focused enough and willing to keep an eye on their pet as well as maintain a pet positive environment at the party for everyone, while still having a good time themselves? And is your pet the type who likes being around other animals and groups of people, or is this party really for you?

There are many restaurants that are pet friendly these days so will cordon off an area, as they do for kiddy parties, for your pet event; some even supply decorations and goodies.

But if you prefer to do it yourself and go all out, here are a few suggestions:

Indoor Party Activities:

o Pick a fun theme. Party favors and decorations are now available for most types of pet parties.

o Have each doggy (kitty, bird, monkey, pot bellied pig, etc) guest come in costume and have a mini-fashion show or have your guests and their humans come in matching costumes! Give prizes for best costume(s), funniest, most original, etc.

o Bring Kong type toys, one for each doggy guest, filled with cheese or peanut butter; catnip or tuna for the kitties.

o Have plenty of training treats, snacks and biscuits on hand and hold contests for best sit, stay, shake, roll over... (perhaps for most finicky for the felines?).

o Bring a good supply of rope toys for a doggy tug of war! You'll find that sometimes the humans will participate as well.

o Paw mural painting can be done inside or out as long as you cover the floor well.

Outdoor Party Activities:

o A silly pet trick contest is a great event, indoors and out, but outside parties lend themselves to a greater variety of tricks. Give a prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd or just for first prize and then give a treat to the others for participation.

o If you have mostly the same types (or breeds) of pets or groups that are the same sizes, dog (or piggy and kitty... if you can motivate them) races can be fun. (Dachshund or Chihuahua races are always funny.)

o Bring enough balls so there is at least one ball or Frisbee per doggy guest and play free-for-all fetch or wands with fake birds, small balls or catnip toys tied at the end for the cats.

o Agility equipment events like a tunnel for the dogs to race through is a good addition; make sure you have lots of training bits or other treats to offer them when they run through successfully!

o Water activities like swimming events in the pool for certain dog breeds during the warm season are possible activities to consider, or bobbing for biscuits using a small tub or kiddie pool with water and then tossing in some biscuits. Whoever gets them out the quickest wins!

o Also, if at the park, make sure you consider safety issues like portable fencing or stakes to attach leashes, so the dogs and their humans can relax for awhile.

Food:

o Make sure there is plenty of water - Provide separate bowls for each pet guest (possibly personalized for them to take home) filled with mineral, filtered or even Smart(TM) water.

o Order goodies from the local or online doggy (pet) bakeries and party suppliers, or better yet bake them yourself.

o Have an outdoor bar-b-que and fix a special dinner for both the pet guests and their humans with their own grilled boneless steaks or chicken for the doggies or tuna and salmon for the kitties!

o And of course, you must have a birthday cake! You can make it yourself or order one from a local or online pet bakery. A small slice of carrot cake or really any other cake as long as it doesn't contain chocolate could be served to most pets as well their humans at a special occasion, but in most cases you will probably want a special one for the pets and one for their humans.

o There are also many human goodies (candy and baked goods) shaped like pets, bones, or pet articles that can add fun to the party.

o A goodie bag to take home filled with unique biscuits, doggy ice cream, dehydrated meats (dehydrated fish, a catnip toy, cat grass or grass seeds and gourmet cat desserts for the kitties), and a small pet safe toy, along with their personalized water bowl is a nice touch.

Make sure you label the food appropriately, especially at a buffet-style meal, to ensure that no people accidentally bite into a dog or cat treat or that the pets don't get too many human treats!

Regardless of the style of the party or the range of food served, you will need to consider both the fun of all the party guests as well as the safety of the food you choose for the people and the dogs (cats or birds, etc) at the event. You might want to skip serving chocolate and onions completely, keep alcohol to a minimum and have a special (pet free) smoking area to keep the guest of honor and friends from eating the butts. Discussing allergies and safety matters of the pets, children and adults at the party in advance will prevent any surprises for the day of the party, as well, perhaps as part of the invitation RSVP request.

Kids have will have fun participating in the games and giving out treats to the winners, so include them if you have any children on your guest list. But be sure to consider supervision, and I would recommend limiting the number of children present. If you do have children or grandchildren at home, include them in the preparation and give them jobs and responsibilities at the party.

And finally, make sure you have a way of capturing all this fun on film! A volunteer photographer or videographer is great for memories and someone taking Polaroid's for the costume contest, to send home with guests, is always a great touch!

Future articles will include throwing a 'fancy' doggy party and 'pet' party recipes. But for now, for those of you baking and making the party food on your own, here is a fun recipe for your human guests (and a small sliver, minus the Tootsie Rolls, won't hurt the pets either):

FAMOUS KITTY LITTER CAKE

(Several variations of this recipe can be found online)

INGREDIENTS:

1 spice or German chocolate cake mix

1 white cake mix

2 large packages vanilla instant pudding mix, prepared

1 large package vanilla sandwich cookies

green food coloring

12 small Tootsie Rolls

1 new kitty litter pan

1 new plastic kitty litter pan liner

1 new pooper scooper

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare cake mixes (or scratch cake) and bake according to directions (any size pans).

Prepare pudding mix and chill until ready to assemble.

Crumble white sandwich cookies in small batches in food processor, scraping often. Set aside all but about 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup cookie crumbs, add a few drops green food coloring and mix until completely colored.

When cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble into a large bowl. Toss with half the remaining white cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. Important: mix in just enough of the pudding to moisten it. You don't want it too soggy. Combine gently.

Line a new, clean kitty litter box. Put the cake/pudding/cookie mixture into the litter box.

Put three unwrapped Tootsie rolls in a microwave safe dish and heat until soft and pliable. Shape ends so they are no longer blunt, curving slightly. Repeat with 3 more Tootsie rolls bury them in the mixture. Sprinkle the other half of cookie crumbs over top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly on top of everything -- this is supposed to look like the chlorophyll in kitty litter.

Heat 3 Tootsie Rolls in the microwave until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake; sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Spread remaining Tootsie Rolls over the top; take one and heat until pliable, hang it over the side of the kitty litter box, sprinkling it lightly with cookie crumbs. Place the box on a newspaper and sprinkle a few of the cookie crumbs around for a truly disgusting effect!

Have a great party!




Marion maintains Just One More Pet at http://justonemorepet.wordpress.com dedicated to stopping unnecessary pet Euthenization and animal abuse through awareness.