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First Family Pet Creates The Ties That Bond

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By KRISTEN LEVINE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 22, 2007

Have they started asking yet?

For a pet, that is.

Every parent knows that at some point, usually from 4 to 7 years old, their children will pine for a pet of their own. And with the gift-giving season upon us, chances are many letters to Santa include a plea for a fuzzy buddy.

A pet can be a best friend that teaches responsibility, friendship and respect for life. That pet is usually a dog or cat, but families can opt to start smaller. Fish, hamsters and birds also provide companionship and teach important life lessons.

The biggest lessons, though, may be for the parents who have never brought a pet into the family.

Before adopting, they need to consider that the animal will have special needs and should be considered a lifelong family member - not just a child's playmate and responsibility.

Kids can help care for the pet, but choose tasks that are age-appropriate. Parents must understand that just like children, the pets' well-being depends on the grown-ups.

"Basically, caring for a pet is a great learning experience for kids," explains veterinarian Heather McCauley of Hidden Oaks Animal Hospital in Tarpon Springs.

"Children learn by example, so parents need to set the tone, allow kids to help, but never expect that child to assume responsibility. They just don't have the capacity for that level of accountability."

How do you determine when your family is ready? A child's age and disposition are factors. Typically, 6 years old is a good starting point, but that can vary with maturity. Does the child listen to direction? Is he able to exercise self-control and obey the word "no" or "gentle"? Observing her behavior with other people's pets can help answer these questions.
Dogs and cats are the most popular pets for good reason. They are wonderful companions, but they definitely require more living space and time to train, walk, bathe and clean up after. Caring for a dog or cat also will have you digging deeper into your wallet than other pet choices.

If your family is not quite ready to take that plunge, try starting with an animal whose needs can be met with less space, time and money.

Test the waters with a goldfish. Freshwater fish are soothing, pretty to look at and interesting creatures. They're a safe bet for a first pet and may lead to an aquatic hobby later on.

For something more cuddly, guinea pigs are delightful animals that have cute personalities and communicate with squeaks and gurgles. They're also more durable than other small pets.

They require a roomy enclosure, a specialized diet and regular cleanup. Also, they enjoy other pig pals, so consider a pair.

Rabbits are another excellent choice for a first pet. However, bunnies are most humanely cared for when indoors. Extreme outdoor temperatures, wind, humidity and rain cause stress for domestic rabbits.

"A rabbit can be trained to use a litter box and can be quite an affectionate creature when handled properly and often," points out McCauley. "They are very social animals but also have a series of special needs that adults should be aware of."
McCauley suggests researching online or in books before committing to a rabbit.

"Pocket pets" are animals small enough to fit in a pocket. Gerbils, hamsters and even mice can be fun friends for kids, but because of their size, they should be handled very carefully. (That includes not carrying them around in a pocket!) Children should only handle these pets when supervised by an adult.
Hamsters are friendly and adaptable, which makes them the most popular small pet in the United States. Handling them on a regular basis will keep them well-socialized. An ignored hamster (or any other pocket pet) is more likely to nip or bite.

Birds are the third most popular pet - nearly 7 million perch in Americans' hearts and homes. They're fun to watch and can fill your home with sound. While each bird has its own personality, every species has a typical temperament and general behavior pattern. Not all birds make appropriate pets for children.

Tampa bird breeder Elizabeth Mills suggests a single parakeet or cockatiel as a great bird choice for children.

"If you have a pair of birds, they will be more inclined to bond with each other, versus your child," she says.

Although neither species is known to produce talkers, both can whistle up a storm, Mills says. The cockatiel is slightly larger and therefore less delicate, probably the better choice for a small child.

No matter which you choose as your family's first pet, adult supervision is always imperative when young children and pets are together. The safety of both pet and child should always be top of mind.

Pets need space and may not always welcome human attention, especially when eating, sleeping or playing with a toy. Even the friendliest pets can become overstimulated, so teach children how to recognize signs that their pet needs some alone time. And remember, small kids may not have developed the motor skills to properly handle a delicate pet.

A first pet is a relationship that your child will always remember. They will likely develop a strong bond with this animal, so be sure to commit to its care for its lifetime. Teach by example that pets deserve love and respect just like other members of the family.

CRITTER CALENDAR

Shelter Seeks Help Of Cat Lovers

Volunteer some time to help the Humane Society of Pinellas by interacting with adoptable cats. The shelter needs volunteers weekday afternoons and evenings, as well as weekend mornings. A volunteer orientation is scheduled for early January.

The Humane Society of Pinellas is at 3040 State Road 590, Clearwater. Call (727) 797-7722 or e-mail bobbieb@humanesocietyofpinellas.org.

Angel Tree At Animal Services Needs Donors

Make a donation to Hillsborough County Animal Services by placing a gift under the tree in its lobby. Needed items include treats, toys, blankets, pet bowls and crates.

Ornaments made by local children and shelter volunteers decorate the tree. Each donor is invited to take an ornament as a keepsake.

The shelter is at 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Brandon. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Call (813) 744-5660 or go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.

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