My hubby and I have always been cat people, but when our son came along we knew that a docile little feline was not going to do it for him. He needed a pet that was going to meet his match, that would be just as boisterous in nature and not only be a playmate, but a lifelong friend; a brother. So when our kid turned three we decided he was ready for his very own pup. We researched our options and wanted a breed that was gentle and patient with kids, but sturdy and playful too. While we did scout the SPCA for the perfect pooch, a family member introduced us to a litter of goofy little Bassets. We fell completely in love with them and were ecstatic to find out that the breed met our criteria.
We named him Charlie! Our Charlie Dog has been a member of the family for just over 7 months now. While we battled with toilet training at first and had to come to terms with a few beloved possessions being chewed to pieces, for the post part, Charlie is the sweetest little fur baby and is very much loved by us. What warms my heart though is the very special relationship him and my son have, it is just what I had hoped for. While my son takes responsibility in caring for his pup and playing with him, Charlie returns the love by being a loyal pet and looks after his "big brother".
I truly believe that every home should have a pet of sorts. Whether its a gentle kitty, no-nonsense goldfish or a pooch like ours, kids need to be raised with animals around, for many good reasons.
5 REASONS WHY KIDS NEED PETS
- It teaches your child to care. In a household the kids usually look up to the adults for love an care, they depend on them. But when there are pets around, they can depend on the kids too, making the kids feel needed and "big". With this "big" responsibility, kids need to be taught to look after and care for their pets, instilling a nurturing nature in them.
- They learn consistency. Children need to learn that no matter what else is going on in their lives, the fish\bird\cat always needs to be looked after and routine still matters.
- It teaches children how to manage time. While life is all sunshine and roses for many kids, having a pet around teaches them from a young age how to manage time, that is, pets need to be fed at a certain time, meaning that games must come to an end an responsibility takes over.
- It encourages them to pull up their sleeves and do the dirty work. Most kids grow up with a sense of entitlement that is disconnected from reality but being responsible for the care and maintenance of a pet helps children to realise that sometimes you have to shovel dog poop, and worse.
- Pets teach us how to mourn loss. The very sad reality of having a pet is that they will only be with us for a certain number of years. While we don't want to break our kids hearts, helping them to deal with sadness and loss in not necessarily a bad thing. Life is tough and unfortunately, we have to learn how to say good bye and also to empathise.
My child and his pup have a beautiful bond. They have their moments where they irritate each other to no avail, but for the most part, they are the best of friends. While being cat people with a dog in our home has been quite the getting used to, we are very glad we made the decision to add a smelly pooch to our family!
Much love - @sweetpea
So true and Charlie should be in #dogsofsteemit from @supernovastaffy its a contest
I was always a cat person, even as a little boy but then I was always an introvert so perhaps that's why lol. I do remember really enjoying playing with my fiends Jack Russel though when visiting him. His name was Josh and he was a high energy bouncy little bundle of joy :-)
Those two look adorable together and I am sure they have a lot of fun. Having pets really is wonderful for children and you explained it perfectly 💚
very good explanation, useful and helpful information!
nice post!
I agree that animals are key in little peoples lives. Although teaching gental can be a bit tiresome for the dog and us. Lol.
Those two are just gorgeous. And your philosophy spot on, @sweetpea
They are both tooooo cute
Agreed on all points
We have a cat
And apart from giving it a bath every now and the , the kids are in charge of cleaning, feeding and hugs and cuddles
Ok, cuddles I get me some too😊
I'd like to add one for the adults... we need companionship when all else fails. My chocolate lab is my world - I talk to her every day and share so much with her... yeah... she's taught me a lot about.
GREAT post!
Agree with your points. My two little turtles at home do help my eldest grow in every sense. Thank you for sharing this educational post. :)
This is a very heartfelt post, which is my favorite type.
Pets teach children a lot and the companionship is great, I know with my little Max the dog is invaluable to me. Great post! resteemed ❤️
I am a part of #steemitbloggers although I believe I knew you before that.
They look lovely together.
Recently a friend have to learn how to explain the death of their rabbit to their kids, I think it's a learning process for both parents and child as well.
Great educational post @sweetpea.
This is all very true. I remember growing up, my dad wanted a dog. So he bought a white German shepherd named Floyd. I ended up taking care of it. I fed it every day, and played with him. We ended up being best friends. When I joined the Army, Floyd ran away from home. Poor dog. He's likely dead now, but who knows how long he roamed looking for me before he was picked up by a stranger?
On another note, my grandson took an interest in guinea pigs. It's actually kind of neat to see him take her out of her cage and hold her like a baby as he pets her.
#steemitbloggers
Your baby is soooo adorable. Their bonding is just priceless! :-)
A pet is so much in the eyes of a child. Those are 5 great pointers that you have mentioned.
The become so much more than just a pet and to my children, it is like having a brother or sister.
This weekend we are going to get another puppy. The kids don't know just yet. It is so exciting and to see their faces when they see her .... I can't wait ^_^
This post is sponsored by @SteemitBloggers in collaboration with @appreciator. Just keep up the good work.
what you say is very true @sweetpea
... and it's not just kids that need pets... us big kids need them too ;-)
Oh my gosh, they're so adorable! Bassets are great. Great post too!
I'm just a scaredy cat when it comes to dogs. Unfortunately I don't have any pets and my papa is quite scared to have my nephew and my nieces to get near a dog as they might get bitten.
So totally agree with your thinking, every child needs a pet. Dogs are great companions @sweetpea
If a person has pet/s in their home then surely that person is a warm and loving person. It really is a good way to teach a child how to become a loving, good and kind woman or man in the near future.