Almost everyone knows that pets provide comfort and companionship, but the benefits of pet ownership go beyond that. They also foster responsibility, compassion, empathy, and self-esteem. Children who take care of a pet learn how to be kind to others, which will serve them throughout life. They also develop respect because they must be gentle when the animal eats or sleeps, and they learn how to be a loving friend to someone who depends on them for life. Taking care of a pet also teaches children to appreciate the simple things in life, such as taking a walk or playing games with their furry friend.
Approximately 97 million dogs, cats, birds, rodents, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, fish, reptiles, and amphibians are kept as pets in the United States. While some families decide to add a pet when the kids are older, many people decide to introduce their children to a pet at an early age. Regardless of the family’s decision, it is important to assess a child’s ability to care for an animal.
When writing about pets, it is important to understand that each pet has a unique personality and mannerisms. It is also important to evoke the reader’s senses by including details such as the pet’s markings, sound, and physical appearance. Also, it is important to determine why a character chooses to have a specific pet and how the pet will enhance the story.