http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-benefits-of-pets-for-children-win-all-natural-pet-products.html
The Benefits of Pets for Children: Win All-Natural Pet Products!
By Robin Elton, Eco Child's Play
Last spring, my family had to cope with the loss of our 13-year-old mutt, Zooey. We toyed with the notion of another dog, but ultimately decided we weren’t ready yet. Earlier today, however, I came across this startling statistic from the Humane Society of the United States:
“The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for between 6–8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3–4 million are euthanized.”
Those numbers are likely to increase this year in response to home foreclosures and other economic woes, as more animals are turned over to shelters by owners who can no longer afford to care for them. In my area, shelters have been offering special days when adoption fees are waived; also, they have been asking the public for donations of pet food and supplies. Not just for the overcrowded shelters, but for pet owners who are in need of the help.
I can’t chase this thought out of my head, of all those dogs and cats in need of homes. But if the truth is to be told, I know that the real reason that I want another dog is because it completes my mental image of home, of family.
And in a completely objective, entirely unbiased sort of way, I’m mulling over all the benefits- physical, mental, and emotional- that this potential family addition would have for my children.
There are numerous benefits that pets provide for kids:
• Children who grow up in homes with pets have less risk of developing common allergies and asthma.
• Playing with dogs may help lower blood pressure.
• Kids with pets get outside more- to go for walks, run, and play- and enjoy all the associated health benefits.
• Pet owners require fewer doctor’s visits.
• Emerging readers often feel more comfortable reading aloud to a pet.
• Nurturing a pet is an acceptable way for boys to “parent play”; to practice being caregivers.
• Feeding and caring for a pet encourages childhood responsibility.
• Children with pets display improved impulse control, social skills and self-esteem.
• Sharing the love and care of a family pet forges an additional common bond among siblings.
• Pets offer security and stability. Nearly 70% of children confide in their pets, confident their secrets will not be betrayed.
• Cuddling a pet reduces stress, loneliness, and anxiety.
• And pets provide a natural gateway into the animal kingdom- love for one’s pet as a child often translates into an adult belief that the relationship between humans and animals is one of mutual support.
I’m not quite committed yet to the responsibility of a new dog. I’m not crazy about having to go through training a dog again, or being on poop patrol. Maybe to begin, we can be a foster family for a dog or aid homeless pets in some other way. But more and more I find myself thinking- kids and dogs, they belong together, right?
What do you think? Talk me into it or talk me out of it!
WIN AN ALL-NATURAL PET GIFT PACK!
The good folks at TerraCycle are committed to our planet and the safety of our pets and have donated THREE PRIZE PACKS full of all-natural pet products. The combination of reused packaging (old soda bottles!) and non–toxic products makes the TerraCycle line, made from essential oils, probiotics and earth–friendly microbes, one of the most reliable and responsible ways to care for pets at home. Each prize will contain:
• Natural Stain and Odor Remover
• Natural Dig Stop
• Skunk Odor Remover
• Natural Stool Destroyer
• Trash Can Protector
Leave a comment and be entered to win! The winners will be announced June 5. Good Luck!
Green Options Media is a network of environmentally-focused blogs providing users with the information needed to make sustainable choices. Written by experienced professionals, Green Options Media’s blogs engage visitors with authoritative content, compelling discussions, and actionable advice. We invite anyone with questions, or simply curiosity, to add their voices to the community, and share their approaches to achieving abundance.
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118 comments
add your comment »I believe all that you said...my children, except for my daughter have dogs/cats. We were raised with every kind of animal. This is a very committed act...if you aren't 100% sure, then don't. Love the animals around you, help the shelters if you can. There are many ways...protesting certain restaurants, doing without a circus and explaining to your child why. Keep it up all of you. Thank you as well.
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Kabin
Konteyner
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Two dogs are better than one. They can play and entertain each other while the family is busy with their daily lives. I suggest get one first (from a shelter) and train it. Then get the other (from a shelter) and the first can help you train the new one. I have always had two dogs and they do learn from each other. My dogs are children that never grow up. I can't imagine life without a couple dogs.
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I have to say that growing up with a pet has helped me grow in numerous ways. I am all for raising children with pets. I have seen the benifits in myself as well as others and feel sorry for people who do not understand the joy of having a pet. My boyfriend and I adopted a dog last year from a family that was moving and a cat from the shelter and I'm telling you we couldn't be happier. Our pets bring us together and complete us in ways we didn't know needed completeing.
So if your thinking about getting another dog, Go for it!!!
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The most loving thing you can do is to adopt a pet from a shelter. It will open your home to undying love and save an animal from loneliness and possibly loss of life. When you think of the numbers in shelters, you might want to save one or two from this fate.
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The most loving thing you can do is to adopt a pet from a shelter. It will open your home to undying love and save an animal from loneliness and possibly loss of life. When you think of the numbers in shelters, you might want to save one or two from this fate.
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The most loving thing you can do is to adopt a pet from a shelter. It will open your home to undying love and save an animal from loneliness and possibly loss of life. When you think of the numbers in shelters, you might want to save one or two from this fate.
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You should really get another pet anyway you are able to (foster care etc.). Your family is showing responsibility to stop and think about the decision beforehand. Which shows you really do care about all parties involved.
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Yes! Pets and kids are a good combination. I agree with your list of benefits but I could add to that list - dogs (in particular) teach us how to live in the moment; how to forgive AND FORGET (we humans are begrudging people); how to let the small stuff go; to appreciate the small, overlooked goodness in each day; how to appreciate life and each day we have together; how to express ALL emotions and feel safe doing so; and how to deal with death, loss, grief, and recovery. I think every child and adult needs pets in our lives so we never forget how to live, how to be a feeling mortal...without pets we're very mechanical about our days and lives. If I were you, I would get 2 pets immediately (one is never enough). Best of luck!!
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My husband has been wanting a dog for....well for the past ten years. Of course my kids joined his cause as well. Over this past holiday I gave in and we now are the owners of a soft coated wheaton terrier. He is soft, smart, extremely loving, and tennacious. It has changed the dynamic of our family for the better. Besides the stress of potty and behavior training, It is getting slightly better now that our dog ids 8 months old. I think training is easier in a 2 parent home especially if your kids are small. If your kids are older, then they can help.I didn't grow up with any pets. My Dad was very allergic, so no pets. I must admit, I'm not totally sold. It is a lot of work, especially when you want to sleep in on a rainy morning with your honey. But the dog's got to go out. Unless you get a tiny toy breed, that goes on biodegradable paper?? Anyway, I'm looking to the next training phase. wish me luck. Oh, I forgot to mention the vet bills........All in all, I'm happy that we have Frodo.
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