An animal at home is the cherry on the ice cream sundae. It's nice to have other life forms around because it gives a child other perspectives on life. My children still grieve for some of the animals who have graced their lives. Our problem is the animals never die. When this article says 14 years, at our house that's at least 16 and probably 20.
The worst pet we ever had was a dog named Rosie. She was a darling West Highland Terrier who bit. She was a paranoid dog with what my husband described as a condition mimicking Turretts. She lived 16 years and in all those 16 years, Anne, my youngest never touched her. And that's a shame, but we made a commitment and we stuck to it. Now we laugh at what an incredibly terrible pet she was.
We have a cat we rescued on his way to the oven when he was fourteen. That was nearly 10 years ago.
But the key to rescue or to adoption or to buying an animal is commitment. You bring the dog or cat or rat or hamster or guinea pig home, and you make a commitment. Babies are really cuter than adult animals, but the reality of the animal and it's friendship with you will be based more on your treatment of that animal as an adult than as a baby simply because it's longer. Enduring an unsatisfactory pet is difficult but it doesn teach a child a lesson.
Children are very interested in their parent's response to animals and will learn kindness and mutual respect from watching. A parent who "saves" an animal is a hero. Children relate to animals and animal care. "My mommy is feeding the dog. My mommy feeds me too. My mommy likes the cat, and she likes me too." What they see a parent do with an animal is reassuring.
At our house, we rescued downed baby birds and returned them to the wild. Anne had a robin she carried around in her apron pocket until it was ready to fly away. We also had a starling named Mavis we got after a storm. She didn't even have feathers. She flew away at last and is fondly remembered as the bird who would fly out of the trees and land on your head nearly anywhere in town. We got calls from all over "Your bird is down here - again."
Caring for an animal is part of rearing children. It's a group activity. We all care for one another even the dog. My children love to tell stories about how I used to say, "I know there is a tornado out there, but go find the cat." It's a bit exaggerated, but you can guess that when the weather alarm went off, the cats went to the closet with us because the children loved them and worried about them because I taught them how to worry and care for something smaller than themselves.
But an animal is an animal and not a child. Children first please. I've seen baskets at the grocery store with a dozen cans of Alpo sitting side by side the cheapest bologna and two loaves of nine-miles-for-a-nickel white bread. We never fed the animals at the table or treated them like people. They are what they are and what they are is simple and good, so we treat them well and enjoy them.
Here's an article about a new product for pets. I am told by Miss Molly, that they are using this kind of tracking devise on children as well.
Remember to Tag Your Holiday Pet Instantly With a FasTags(R) ID Tag
ANAHEIM, Calif., Dec. 1, 2005 -- Each year thousands of pets are given as holiday gifts. Unfortunately, many of these pets are lost shortly thereafter, and without an ID the
chance of finding them again are slim at best. A FasTags(R) ID tag is a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to make sure pets can be reunited with their owners. With the help of an oven, or toaster oven, and less than 10 minutes from start to finish, anyone can make sure that their pet is protected.
With over 60 fun designs, there's a FasTags(R) to fit any style. Identity is Everything!(R)
Jecca Zinder, a FasTags(R) customer, recently said, "I am glad that finally there is a [company] dedicated to people like me, who not only wants to help me get back my best friend in
case he (or she) gets lost, but also does it with such class."
Taking a trip over the holidays? FasTags(R) identification tags are great for family pets, and their travel and show supplies. Mark your vacation location and phone number on your FasTags(R) with the dates you'll be there. If your dog is lost in Peoria, you don't want him returned to Los Angeles! FasTags(R) are available from local pet stores, veterinarians, and barkeries throughout the US (also available internationally). FasTags(R) are also available online at http://www.fastags.com.
FasTags(R) also carries FasTags for Tack, and a new set of designs perfect for people as well as pets. Tag your camera, your sports bag, or your holiday bag with a handy FasTags(R).
Chosen in December 2004 for the Cat Fancy Magazine Editor's Choice Award, FasTags(R) continues to find stylish ways to protect pets throughout the year. Don't forget FasTags(R)
as a last minute stocking stuffer this year!
FasTags(R) - The Tag That Shrinks(R) - is made in the USA by Project FasTags, Inc., a company based in Anaheim, California. FasTags(R) are in their 10th year of
production, are sold throughout North America and internationally, and are protected by a US Patent. Price availability: $3.95 - 8.95. Dealer inquiries are always welcome. Contact us toll-free at (866) 412-6860.
Things to Remember for Giving a Pet at the Holidays:
- Do your homework. This should NOT be an impulse purchase.
- Is the recipient ready for a 14-year commitment?
- Have you considered a "rescue pet" from a local shelter?
- Put a "new pet package" full of accessories, including a FasTags(R) ID, under the tree with a certificate to choose the pet together after the holidays.
- Write a contract for your child outlining their responsibilities related to the family pet. This avoids confusion later.
- Take your time. Remember that you're adding a new member
of the family. You want a pet with the right temperament for you.
http://www.fastags.com/
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