I was five years old. Yes, thank you for reminding me that was a long time ago! My sister and I nagged and nagged our parents for a dog. Eventually they gave in and my dad found a local lady who bred poodles. She had a litter of white ones with one dear little black one amongst them. The breeder told Dad that black poodles were extremely rare! The little poodle was the sweetest fluff ball and my sister and I fell in love with him instantly. My dad, who could not put a nail in the wall straight found his do-it-yourself skills, and built Pepe an indoor wooden kennel with ‘Pepe’ written above the entrance. I was so proud of my dad. Dad bought a whole kit of grooming brushes from the breeder and we were all set. There was great excitement the day Pepe came home! But every morning after that, my mum was in tears, when coming down to the kitchen she didn’t know whether to clear up the mess from Pepe or get us ready for school. Pepe lasted just five days in our house. Dad duly went back to the lady breeder with Pepe and the grooming kit. I don’t think Dad got any money back, the breeder telling him how common black poodles were! … It was to be many years later, when as a grown up, I finally got a dog again, but that’s a whole new story for another day.
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There’s no doubt about it, owning a pet teaches a child responsibility. To take care of a pet requires nurturing, kindness, and empathy. Messages which I am especially keen as a children’s author, to weave into my writing.
It is a well-known fact that pets can lower stress and anxiety levels. Whether it be stroking a cat or a dog, or watching fish gently glide around an aquarium, it can be so soothing, and so valuable for our mental health. And it’s not only children who benefit. Animals are often taken into homes for the elderly, bringing the residents the comfort they may have lost when having to give up their own pets.
Children who have learning difficulties can gain greatly from having animals in their lives. A pet can provide love and companionship. A child can tell that animal all their secrets. Often children who struggle with reading, find it immensely helpful to read to an animal.
So before you say “no” to your child when they ask for a hamster, a cat, a dog, or a rabbit, think about the advantages for the whole family. You are enhancing your child’s life skills and their well-being. Your child is reaping lifetime rewards.