Thoughts for the Week:

Pets can play an important role during a child's early years. They often serve as trustworthy listeners for a child's secrets and feelings of loneliness, sadness, fear or joy. When grownups don't have time to play or listen, when a parent has scolded a child, or when a child is frightened by something (the dark, a thunderstorm), the pet is often there - available and comforting. A pet can also teach children important things about responsibility, caring and discipline. By helping care for a pet, children can learn that pets are living creatures, not just toys, and that all living creatures need to be treated with consideration.