Last week was National Pet Week, and as I was trying to figure out a topic to coincide with National Pet Week, I looked over the website that the American Veterinary Medical Association created for it, and I realized that it was mostly geared toward children. And why not? Who loves their pets more than children? And who could possibly benefit from having a pet more than a child? There are so many benefits for children. From a medical standpoint, giving a child a pet can lower blood pressure, reduce recovery time, and relieve anxiety. Pets can also help children learn empathy, responsibility, social skills, confidence, and love from their pets. The next time your child begs you for a pet and promises you that they will feed that pet every day and that you won't have to do any work, don't believe them for a minute, but consider the benefits. During the week, I decided to celebrate by contacting some friends with children and asking their children one simple question: How does your pet make you smile? These are the cute responses! "When we play together." ~ Dakota, 8 years old, about Siri, an 8 year old American cocker spaniel, and Memphis, a 1 year old rescued bassett/bloodhound mix * * * "When we play fetch." ~ Alexander, 6 years old, about Siri, an 8 year old American cocker spaniel, and Memphis, a 1 year old rescued bassett/bloodhound mix * * * "By being so clumsy!" ~ R'Zia, 12 years old, about Mercy, a 3 year old Aussie mix * * * "Max makes me smile when we sweep next to her aquarium, because she sticks her tongue out and tries to lick the broom through the glass!" ~ Aneas, 9 years old, about Max the bearded dragon lizard * * * "Champ makes me smile and laugh because he always tries to lick my face!" ~ Adones, 8 years old, about Champ, a 6 month old American Staffordshire terrier/black lab * * * "When she runs away from Mommy when she takes her outside." ~ Bryleigh, 9 years old "She follows me everywhere." ~ Karson, 8 years old "The way she chases her tail." ~ McKenna, 6 years old, about their dog * * * "My dogs make me smile when I can rub their bellies and they smile at me. I also get to practice being a vet on them!" ~ Ophelia, 7 years old, about Sydney, a red golden retriever and Rusty, a blonde golden retriever. * * * "My cat makes me smile when she sneaks into my room in the night, wakes me up, and has me pet her. She keeps me company when I sleep and she is soft and snuggly." ~ Liam, 9 years old, about Tally * * * "Tally is my kitty. Tally's cute." ~ Anya, 2.5 years old * * * "I smile when Zoey plays with me and when she does what I say." ~ Cash, 10 years old, about Zoey, his dog * * * "Because they are bad doggies!" ~ Griff "Because they love me and are cute, and happy to see me, and everything really!" ~ Archer * * * "Not sure how Cade would answer your questions, considering most of his answers these days are 'yass' or 'yeah.' He loves his puppy though! He asks for him every morning when he gets up and when Oliver comes home with Andy in the evenings, Cade runs right to him to greet him first." * * * "Umm Sadie kiss me ummm love me and hug me" ~ Drew "Lick me. Play with me and snuggle with me." ~ Chase, about their dog Sadie Pets and an interest in wildlife at a young age are what motivated my interests in science and biology. I wasn't the typical student that knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was seven, but I knew I wanted to work with animals. Maybe you might be fostering that same love in your child by getting them a pet. You never know! While you're at it, check out the National Pet Week website to find a writing and poster contest for your child. Foster their creative skills as well. The deadline is June 15th. Happy National Pet Week! Enjoy your pets every day!
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Jessica Stroupe, DVM
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August 2017
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