P486ORACLE 486 Mon 3 Mar C4 1722:16
1/6
by Margaret Carter
CAN I HAVE A PET, MUM?....
Sooner or later that will be the
request of most children and sooner or
later most parents will say "yes".
What pet you eventually choose will
depend largely on your circumstances,
your lifestyle, the age of your
children and whether you're prepared
to spend time and money on its upkeep.
If there's no one to take a dog for
daily walks then that's not the choice
for you - nor is it fair to buy a pet
that likes company and then leave it
alone all day.
more follows >
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P486ORACLE 486 Mon 3 Mar C4 1715:10
2/6
by Margaret Carter
CAN I HAVE A PET, MUM?....
It's worth thinking about why children
want pets. They're something to love
and care for: something whose temper
seldom changes. They are interesting to
to watch and when all the world seems
against you, a dog or cat can be
relied upon to provide sympathy and
affection.
In fact they offer quite a lot. In
addition caring for a pet teaches a
child responsibility. The pet needs
regular feeding, exercising and health
checks and although it's unrealistic to
expect a child to take sole charge, the
routine of responsibility will teach
committment. more follows >
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P486ORACLE 486 Mon 3 Mar C4 1701:17
3/6
by Margaret Carter
CAN I HAVE A PET,MUM?.....
If a pet dies then don't gloss it over
or try and replace it with another
without the child knowing. Don't say
"it's gone away" or "it will be back":
accept that the child will feel sorrow
and when he's had time to mourn the
loss then you could consider buying
another one not as a replacement but as
a new pet to be loved for itself.
If you already have a pet in the family
before a baby arrives and you've
previously made a great fuss of the
animal, then take care not to ignore it
or provoke its jealousy and never leave
a cat or a dog alone with the baby.
more follows >
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P486ORACLE 486 Mon 3 Mar C4 1714:26
4/6
by Margaret Carter
CAN I HAVE A PET, MUM?....
When it comes to choosing the pet, make
sure you buy it from a good shop where
the stock is well cared for and healthy
Borrow or buy a book at the same time
to help the child understand how to
care for it - and read it together.
The easiest pets are probably fish but
they are hardly cudly! On the other
hand, they don't make much noise...
Hamsters are delightful little
creatures, though they do sleep most of
the day and wake up at night, when the
children are off to bed and you must
watch out for their bite, it is painful
more follows >
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P486ORACLE 486 Mon 3 Mar C4 1702:37
5/6
by Margaret Carter
CAN I HAVE A PET, MUM?......
Canaries and budgies are sure to find
favour with a child - and these three -
fish, birds and hamsters - have the
advantage of being able to be kept
indoors. You need a garden - or at
least a balcony for a rabbit or guinea
pig, although they are very little
trouble to care for.
Cats and dogs usually are the most
popular choice - but make sure about
exercise, holidays - and expense. Even
a small dog costs a few pounds a week
and there may be the unexpected bill
if veterinary treatment is needed.
more follows >
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P486ORACLE 486 Mon 3 Mar C4 1701:40
6/6
by Margaret Carter
CAN I HAVE A PET, MUM?..
What is worth remembering is that
favourite pets (and the children's own
choice) are usually dogs, cats, guinea
pigs, rabbits - and they all have one
thing in common. They are can all be
cuddled and played with and seem to
relieve the tension even a young child
can suffer from.
But there is one aspect that must not
be overlooked - hygiene. It is
essential that animals should not be
allowed to lick faces and hands must be
washed after handling a pet, and bowls
and utensils must be kept scrupulously
clean and separate from household
equipment. more BABYCARE NEWS on FRIDAY
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