Why Every Family Should Have a Pet

Millions of families on this planet include at least one non-human member. Whether it is a dog, cat, fish, turtle, rabbit or python, a new pet can very quickly become a much-loved member of the family in its own right.

Many studies have shown that this can only be a good thing - for many reasons. When it comes to teaching children a variety of life lessons, helping to bond individual members of the family together as a unit and generally creating a sense of well-being and contentment within the home, there is nothing like the unconditional love that a family pet radiates.

Watching a stumbling kitten struggle with its new limbs while it explores the wonder that is the world around it often inspires the same type of wonder in the watcher. Sharing these types of experiences with your young children is like being present and watching the birth of their own personalities before your very eyes. You are watching, even influencing, them as they create the fundamental thought processes that will inform their every future move in life, as they incorporate their maturing view of the world into the expression of their own existence.

As both the animal and child matures, so does the family unit itself. Members are commonly added as new children come onto the scene, and the interactions between sibling and sibling, and sibling and parent, are often tempered by the impartial and spontaneous love that a family pet can bring to the picture.

Upset, confused or lonely children are often comforted by the complete support and acceptance offered by a long-loved animal. Memories of shared experiences, and the complete lack of judgement possible from the animal can cradle a sad heart with the wag of a tail and touch of a paw.

Positive, life affirming events such as the birth of new puppies - or even new tadpoles - can inspire an active curiosity about nature and the fundamental questions of life. If seen in the right perspective and recognised by parents, they can provide opportunities for learning that cannot be found in books, on TV or even in video games!

Lessons learned from other, less happy events, while more difficult to experience, are just as important and valuable than the joyful occasions. If a family pet is sick or injured, the feelings experienced can be just as powerful as if a human member of the family were in peril. The agony of waiting to find out if the patient will recover and be healthy again is not pleasant, but is an important introduction to adult concepts that will recur throughout life and can teach children emotional strength, as well as confirm that the worst does not always happen when the pet is safe at home again.

Should the worst happen, and the patient not pull through, even the ultimate tragedy of losing a loved one can be felt, examined and understood somewhat through the loss of a pet, well before the child must inevitably face the same situation as an adult. It is important that parents recognise the learning opportunities inherent in raising an animal alongside their human children. Starting from the time the child is old enough to interact safely with the chosen animal, having both the child and pet grow together is the ideal situation. Depending on the pet, the animal's shorter life cycle will allow the children to watch them grow from babies to adults, to parents with children of their own. Obviously such an epic cycle involves commitment and responsibility, both from the child and the parents involved.

It is immediately apparent that pets bring with them a joy, spontaneity, and unconditional love that can only add to any family unit. There are, however, many less obvious, but very important, reasons why it can only benefit every family to include at least one non-human member.

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Things You Should Consider Before Adopting a Pet

You're thinking about adopting a pet and you are excited about it. You don't know many things about pets, only that they are cute and loving companions. So you go and get Flippy or Daisy and you bring them home. Then you realize that you don't know much about pets and start asking questions. Too late! Questions should be asked before bringing a pet at home. Pet ownership is for a lifetime!

Many people don't have a clue about the responsibilities related with pet ownership. They may have good intentions but they soon realize that having a pet at home is not as easy as they thought it would be and this revelation can often lead to tragedy.

Most people, either children or adults want a pet because they find it "cute" They watch movies, TV shows with adorable baby animals, which by the way are already trained and their desire for a pet is getting bigger. Usually their desire is directed to a puppy or a kitten, (often a specific breed) and finally they bring it at home. Everyone is happy and wants to take the furry little thing in their lap, cuddle it and play with it.

When the issue comes to who's going to take care of it, then the excitement wears off since nobody wants to do it.

People who never had a pet don't have the slightest idea of how it is to take care of one. They think it's easy, put some food and water in their bowls twice a day and that's it. Their new furry friend will be playful and happy whenever they want. After all, how much trouble can a loving little thing cause?

Surprise, surprise!

A pet in your house is like a child in your house. In fact at some point your child grows up and doesn't need your care any more, they become independent and leave your house to live on their own. The same thing won't happen with your pet. Your pet will always be a child that will require your attention and care as long as it is with you. So, there are a lot of things to consider before taking the serious decision of adopting a pet.

Getting a pet is not like buying a car. It's a living creature so if you don't get along it is not easy to get rid of it of change it for something else. When you adopt a pet you become the animal's "parent" as long as it lives. You must keep in mind that, a dog for example has an average life expectancy of 14-15 years. So, for the next 14-15 years or so, it will be your responsibility!

It's like having a baby at home. You can't send it back because it doesn't meet your expectations or because it's different than what you thought it would be. Or can you? I hope not. The same kind of responsibility must be in your minds when you are thinking of getting a pet.

A pet is not a video game. You don't just shut it down when you're finished playing with it and expect it to just sit waiting for you until you decide to come back. Puppies are like young children. They need a lot of sleep but when they are not asleep they are wondering around the house looking for fun! A puppy who's just started growing teeth will find a lot of fun and pleasure in chewing your favourite shoes or slippers. At this point many people start losing their patience and instead of finding a way to divert the puppy's attention to something else, they get rid of it in an animal shelter, or worse they abandon it in the streets. The only crime of the puppy was in fact that it was a puppy! Puppies are not destructive and naughty just because they want to make you furious. It's just what they do. If you are considering of getting one you must rearrange your home first, so the puppy will not have access to things you don't want to be destroyed. Another good idea is buying a lot of chew toys. You can be sure that the puppy will choose them instead of your shoes.

Another important issue to consider is which breed you are fond of and would like to obtain. Every breed has special characteristics and even though you'd love to get a puppy of a certain breed, this may not be the right one for you. There are certain things to consider, for instance will it be easy to train, will it be a shy dog or a hyperactive that will require many walks during the day, will there be any health problems with the breed you chose, etc. You may adore a Labrador or a German Shepherd but if you live in a small apartment, maybe you should reconsider. Large dogs require space to run and play and they'll feel depressed in a confined space. Also some large breeds develop back or hip problems that will require extra health care especially when they are getting older.

Pets also cost money to raise and maintain, just like children do. You must buy pet food, pay several bills to the vet when your beloved friend needs vaccines or medical care, monthly expenses such as heartworm and flea control and maybe grooming bills. You must also remember that you'll have extra costs when you leave for vacation and leave the animal in a pet hotel. My point is, if you're not fully aware of the cost of having an animal, maybe you should reconsider. Of course they worth every penny you'll spend for them and they'll pay you back with their unconditioned love, but still you should know all about it.

Another thing you must consider is neutering-spaying your pet. If you don't plan on breeding it, you must go to a vet and have it neutered-spayed. There are a lot of people who don't like depriving sex from their pet. Don't think like them! It is a fact that if you don't get your pet neutered while being young there will be many problems in the future and most important, health problems. If you don't spay your female dog, it's quite possible to develop cancer in its uterus in later life.

Many male or female dogs become short-tempered and anxious because they are not allowed to mate and this is against their nature.

Some people think that they can solve this problem if they allow their dog to mate at least once. Some others like the idea of having a puppy of their dog before being spayed. I strongly disagree with these tactics. First it is very irresponsible to allow pets to reproduce without control. Overpopulation in pets is a very serious problem. Every year 10-12 million pets are euthanized by shelters because they can't find homes for them. Why would anyone of you want to add to this number? Second, dogs should be neutered-spayed before they sexually mature in order to avoid health problems in the future. If you think I'm lying, just ask a vet..

To make a long story short, if you plan to obtain a pet, be responsible and have it neutered-spayed. You may think that you'll earn money by selling the puppies, if you have a purebred. You must know though that there are no guarantees that you'll sell all the puppies and even if you do, you must consider that, for every puppy you sell, there's one waiting in a shelter somewhere and may die without being adopted.

The dog breeding business, has its responsible professionals but also its lousy ones. There are several puppy mills where the poor animals live in awful, unsanitary and crowded conditions. Many breeders just don't care even a little bit about their health. These breeders mate males and females from the same litter and this can cause several health problems later in the life of the dog. For example many Dalmatians suffer from deafness due to inbreeding.

So, why are you looking so badly for a purebred and you doing not consider getting a mixed breed? They are also very cute and much healthier but still, they are not people's first choice.

Why not adopt a pet from the Humane Society or your local SPCA? At least you can give them a chance even if what you really want is a specific breed. There are several advantages if you adopt an adult dog from a shelter or from one of the many breed-specific rescue operations. You can be sure that you've done a good deed by adopting a pet this way and you've saved it from being euthanized.

Some more useful thoughts...

-Don't ever consider giving a pet as a gift to someone, especially not a child. (Unless the child is yours and you clearly know that you'll be the pet's caregiver) Whoever is going to obtain a pet must do it on his own will and he must have considered everything about raising it.

-Don't bring live chicks or bunnies to your children as Easter gifts. It's cruel, they are small breathing creatures. Chicks grow into chicken, so unless you have a farm you shouldn't even think about buying one.

-Do learn what pet ownership is all about. You must have an idea about the cost, in terms of time and money. Also, a good thing to know is how getting a pet is going to change your style of life.

With all that I've mentioned above you must think that I'm not encouraging pet ownership. On the contrary, I LOVE animals, I have six dogs and two cats and I'm in a position to know what is this all about and speak about the responsibilities that pet owners should face. After all, I'm a pet owner myself. Having a pet is happiness but also means a lot of responsibilities and compromises in your private life. All I'm saying is that you should know all about it before making your decision. Pets may be very cute and sweet but trust me, they hide a lot of surprises, surprises you must be ready to deal with!

How it Affects Your Children and What You Should Do When Their Pet Dies

Many times the first contact with death for your children happens when their pet just died. Most of the times they can't comprehend where their pet has gone and why is not back yet. The children need to be explained a few things, however they also they need extra love, support, consolation and a display of deep affection. They won't understand many things at a tender age and particularly if they are up to 5 years old only, they will think that the pet will return to them eventually.

Between the ages of 6-8 they will start to somehow grasp that the pet might not come back afterall, and they will realize to a lesser extent the seriousness of the subject of death and dying. Only a bit later on, from around the age of 9-10 they are fully aware that death is permanent and once gone, the pet will never return.

Many parents face the difficult decision on having to tell their kids that the pet diet. They find it quite hard to express their words in a way that the child will understand. This is why it is useful to get the kids quite comfortable by using a soft and kind voice and hug them, make them feel loved at all times. One thing you need to do is telling them the truth. No matter what, you can't lie to your kids. Even if you think you are protecting them by lying, it is wrong and it might backfire by creating mistrust, anxiety and unneeded panic.

Of course there will be many questions asked by your child, such as 'Why did the pet die' and 'When is coming back', and 'When will I see the pet again' and some children might also feel that it's their fault somehow that the pet is gone. You have to make sure that any feelings of guilt are immediately put to rest by the children, else they might grow up with that feeling inside them and that might cause them harm in the long run.

Of course the children will feel anger, sadness, pain, grief and that is normal. Take note that they might even feel jealousy towards other kids that have pets, so watch out for any such signs. But usually these will pass eventually.

One of the best ways to help your children heal is to let them help in your search for the best pet urn. If needed be, go online, search at Amazon and go with them through the various pictures of the displayed urns. This way they will feel that they have contributed somehow to keeping alive the memory of their most beloved pet, and will start to heal faster.

To learn more about urns for pets and how to find the best ones online, visit my website at urns for ashes.

What Kind Of Pet Should You Get For Your Child?

If you have kids, you should seriously consider getting them pets. That being said, which ones should you choose?

So you've finally broken down and decided to get your kids a pet! Before you welcome Rover or Spot into your house, you need to decide what pet is best for your children. Not all pets are created equal and in fact, many animals which are commonly bought for children do not make good pets at all. Here is a look at some of the better pets for kids.

Dogs can be playful and affectionate. They come in all sizes so you should be able to find one that fits your space limitations. Dogs can be quite different in temperament and you need to research the different breeds before selecting your pet. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in America. They are great with children and are easily trained. Golden Retrievers are very devoted dogs. They are good for people of all ages and are great if your family likes to hunt. German Shepherds are wonderful family dogs. They adore children and love to be active. Beagles are smart and gentle dogs. You will need to give them a lot of exercise though. Any of these dogs make a great choice for kids. Cats are also a good choice, although you will want to spend a little time with the cat to see how it reacts to children.

Want something smaller? Forget about the hamster or gerbil. A rat makes a much better pet because they love to be held. If rats are not your thing, try a guinea pig. They are one of the top pets for kids. They are easy to take care of and they love to be picked up. They will let your children hold them and they even purr! You will rarely have problems with them scratching or biting.

You will often see iguanas or turtles in pet stores and often someone will try to convince you that they make good pets for kids. The reality is that they are not good pets for kids at all. Iguanas can grow quite large and become aggressive as they get older. Turtles are hard to take care of and they are pretty boring for kids. The better choice is a leopard gecko. They like to be held and they are not hard to look after.

There are many other pets that are good for children as well. The thing to keep in mind is that you want to find the pet that fits your particular children. You will want to consider their personalities and what they hope to gain from pet ownership. Some kids will be happy just looking at a goldfish while others want a pony. You will just have to figure out what works for your family.

Hal Storm is with www.petstoreyeti.com - your free resource for local pet stores, services and pet information.

At What Age Should You Give Your Child a Pet?

If you have kids, you might be up in the air on getting a kitten, dog or something else. You probably should, but the question is when?

Kids dream of having their own pet. As parents, you might be confused as to whether getting a pet is a good idea or not. There is no right or wrong answer, however. A lot depends on your personal situation and the maturity level of your children.

If your children are not yet in school, they should not have responsibility over a pet. It is certainly fine for you to have a family pet, but you will need to be prepared to do most of the work yourself. Children at this age often do not know that they are bothering an animal and they simply think the animal is playing with them. You need to make sure that your pet will get along well with small children. Even gentle dogs and cats can become agitated when their tails are pulled or if a child is harassing them. If you have a bird, you will need to make sure that you are able to keep the cage out of the reach of children. Little kids love to stick their fingers into a bird cage and a bird loves to nip them.

If your children are in school, they are probably ready for a pet. However, you will need to have a serious discussion as to whether your child will be responsible for all of the pet care or whether it will be shared between family members. A child often will agree to take care of a pet. When the time comes to actually do it, they might be less inclined. If your child generally does a good job at taking care of his or her belongings, then they might be ready to take on the additional responsibility of a pet. However, you must supervise this care as you are ultimately the one responsible for the pet's care.

You should also never buy a pet on a whim. You will often see rabbits at a carnival or a box of free puppies on the side of the road. You might wander into a pet store at the mall and see a cute cat that you want to make your own. Avoid the temptation. Many animals which are bought on impulse end up in shelters. Do your research before you make a commitment to a pet.

If you have prepared for a pet and know what you are getting into, they can be a great experience for a child. Adults also often name the times they spent with their pet as some of their favorite childhood memories. There can be quite a few benefits to pet ownership. Many people feel that it helps children gain responsibility. It can also teach them how to be kind to animals and can have a therapeutic effect on many children. Some doctors also believe that having a pet as a child will help reduce your susceptibility to allergies when you are older.

Hal Storm is with www.petstoreyeti.com - your free resource for pet information.

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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At What Age Should You Give Your Child a Pet?

If you have kids, you might be up in the air on getting a kitten, dog or something else. You probably should, but the question is when?

Kids dream of having their own pet. As parents, you might be confused as to whether getting a pet is a good idea or not. There is no right or wrong answer, however. A lot depends on your personal situation and the maturity level of your children.

If your children are not yet in school, they should not have responsibility over a pet. It is certainly fine for you to have a family pet, but you will need to be prepared to do most of the work yourself. Children at this age often do not know that they are bothering an animal and they simply think the animal is playing with them. You need to make sure that your pet will get along well with small children. Even gentle dogs and cats can become agitated when their tails are pulled or if a child is harassing them. If you have a bird, you will need to make sure that you are able to keep the cage out of the reach of children. Little kids love to stick their fingers into a bird cage and a bird loves to nip them.

If your children are in school, they are probably ready for a pet. However, you will need to have a serious discussion as to whether your child will be responsible for all of the pet care or whether it will be shared between family members. A child often will agree to take care of a pet. When the time comes to actually do it, they might be less inclined. If your child generally does a good job at taking care of his or her belongings, then they might be ready to take on the additional responsibility of a pet. However, you must supervise this care as you are ultimately the one responsible for the pet's care.

You should also never buy a pet on a whim. You will often see rabbits at a carnival or a box of free puppies on the side of the road. You might wander into a pet store at the mall and see a cute cat that you want to make your own. Avoid the temptation. Many animals which are bought on impulse end up in shelters. Do your research before you make a commitment to a pet.

If you have prepared for a pet and know what you are getting into, they can be a great experience for a child. Adults also often name the times they spent with their pet as some of their favorite childhood memories. There can be quite a few benefits to pet ownership. Many people feel that it helps children gain responsibility. It can also teach them how to be kind to animals and can have a therapeutic effect on many children. Some doctors also believe that having a pet as a child will help reduce your susceptibility to allergies when you are older.

Hal Storm is with www.petstoreyeti.com - your free resource for pet information.