I don’t know that I’ve properly introduced the newest addition to the family: the Dogness, also known as Jimmy. He was a shelter dog.
The day we went to the Humane Society, Cass was feeling unwell and was worn out by all the high-energy, barking, younger dogs. She settled in with a quiet guy who was perfectly content to just sit and be with her, licking her hands. She asked if we could take him out of the cage for a walk, and well, as they say, the rest is history. Jimmy walked into our house and our lives and our hearts and settled in for the long haul.
and to turn around three times before lying down.
I wrote an article a while back titled “The Benefits of Pet Ownership for Children,” about whether I really wanted to get another dog after my beloved Zooey died. The website I wrote it for no longer exists so I’ll reprint it here:
There are numerous benefits that pets provide for kids:
• Playing with a pet 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.
He is the god of frolic.
-Henry Ward Beecher
Why am I telling you all this? Because it’s National Kids & Pet Day, and I was asked by the Global Influence network, on behalf of Kroger stores, if I would spread the word. I’m hoping to give that little push to all the moms and dads who are at the tipping point for pet adoption. DO IT. Pets bring so much meaning to your life, and so much companionship to your kids.
Family Friendly breeds:
Cocker Spaniel – These lap dogs are sensitive and sweet and enjoy the attention of children. Cocker Spaniels are obedient with training and friendly around people.
Pug – This affectionate breed loves being part of a family. Outgoing and mischievous, they make playful companions for children.
Golden Retriever – Similar to Labs in personality, Goldens are mild mannered and enjoy being around families and other people. These dogs are easy to train are gentle with children.
Basset Hound – This breed is good with children of all ages. They are known for their docile nature and gentleness. Their long backs need to be supported when they are picked up, and an eager child can accidentally injure them.
Tips regarding safe pet play:
- Teach your children to pet softly, stay away from food dishes, toys and bones, and not to startle your dog or cat when it is sleeping.
- Keep babies and toddlers at a level higher than your dog. Dogs perceive height as representative of their hierarchy. Keep your children off the floor when the dog is in the room.
- Don’t give your dog toys that resemble your children’s toys or clothing. Stay away from fabric stuffed dog toys that resemble your child’s stuffed animals.
- Involve your child in your dog’s care. Even just the presence of your child in the same room while your dog is receiving his favorite things or activities can help build a positive association to children.
You can find more information on family friendly breeds or additional tips on teaching your children about pet safety on Kroger’s Pet Health blog.
You can also find out about Kroger pet insurance policies, which cover routine care and medical procedures for dogs and cats. In addition to being available in-store at more than 2,400 stores in the Kroger family (including City Market, Dillon’s, Fred Meyer, Frye’s, King Sooper, Owen’s, Pay Less, QFC, Ralph’s and Smith’s), Kroger’s pet insurance can be purchased online. This pet insurance works at any veterinarian nationwide, with reimbursement typically occurring within two weeks. Coverage starts as low as $9.95 per month and right now, individuals who purchase online can save $10.
Jimmy has a heart murmur. The vet says it’s about a five on a scale of one to ten, which apparently means it’s not something to worry about in the short term but something we need to aware of for the long term. I think it also means that any routine “procedures”– like being put under anesthesia for tooth cleaning, something we need to do soon ’cause MAN the hound dog breath– are going to be a bit more complicated (read: expensive). I’ve thought about pet insurance but I need to do more research. Any feedback is welcome.
To celebrate National Kids & Pets Day, Kroger has provided me with a $20 gift card to give away to one of my readers, to buy a little something to treat their pets with. (They provided me with one as well, but since I have no Kroger stores near me I am donating it to an animal shelter.)
Just tell me something about your pet– or the place where you got them– to be entered to win. I’ll pull a winner Sunday, May 2nd when I get up in the morning 🙂
UPDATE 5/2/10: The winner is comment #3 from Carolsue!
Full Disclosure:
For helping raise awareness of National Kids & Pet Day I was provided with a $20 gift card to spoil Jimmy (which I am donating to an animal shelter) and a $20 gift card to give away to a reader so that they could do the same by the Global Influence Network and the Kroger Co. The thoughts and opinions here are my own.
Lawanna says
We've had fish for a few years. Bought them from a pet store. Bought a tank and supplies off Craig's List. Fish are doing well and all the kids who come to visit like to watch the fish.
Danielle says
I got my idiot white cat from a family who wanted another baby and couldn't deal with Elmo's high maintenance yowling. So I got on a plane for more than 24 hours and picked him up in florida. He's the dumbest cat on earth, but he's also the sweetest. He would love to donate a Kroger card to FUPI, which is the foreclosure pets organization that is doing work in our community.
Carolsue says
I had five cats at one time, but am down to one now. It is a cat my mother used to take care of, but not technically "hers". When she died, we took this cat home, thinking she'd never adapt to indoor living. It took a long time (years), but she has turned into a wonderful, sweet cat.
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net
Mari says
All of my animals are rescues. My dh and I are suckers for hard luck cases. One of the rescues we have is a quaker parakeet named Roger. he has passed through many hands of people who couldn't handle him. We eventually coaxed him out of his shell and he is much happier (and noisier).
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
VickieB says
A month ago we got two one year old + pups from the pound, they are still learning manners, but they are great dogs.
Garth, our beloved companion, died in September. He too was a pound puppy and one hell of a dog. Mr. personality plus. I still miss him with all my heart.
If by chance I win, just donate it to a shelter I don't have a Krogers around here.
Jennai says
I have 3 cats. One was from a shelter, one was from a friend and the last one was a feral cat that had been injured quite badly in a fight, near death. We got him fixed up, and believe it or not, he is the most loving cat, but he still looks like a mean old tomcat!
HobartsMama {AT} AOL.COM