Random reminder

Press, 16 September 1982, Page 28

Random reminder

PET STOP Every time the holidays come round, schools and kindergartens appeal for children to adopt the live animals from the Nature Corner. Given the rocketing cost of birdseed and hamster disinfectant, it is becoming more difficult. What kindergartens need is sensible cheap pets. Pets such as Alsatians and Afghan hounds. If the average pussy-cat can make a meal off mice, goldfish and native birds, there is no reason why a dog can not make a meal off neighbourhood pussy-cats. Pets such as cows and sheep. The Kindy lawnmower will fetch a reasonableprice at the auction rooms. Apple-and-milk-time will have happy helpers doing the milking as well as the applecoring. The annual Supporters’ Meeting will become a splendid social event, a

barbecue for several hundred guests. Pets such as seagulls. Part of God’s rich cosmic plan, seagulls are here today and here tomorrow. Still here, indeed, when we get back from the holidays. All that the Kindy teacher has to do is point and say firmly, "That is our special one, called Fred." Children are tolerant and broadminded. They will shower love, hugs, and half-eaten lolly ices on the most unsuitable things. Teachers should encourage this, even when the potential pet is much larger,-not always sweet-tempered, and occasionally a source of physical danger. Children will benefit from learning to deal with the day-to-day exasperations of being responsible for their very own. carefully trained “parent.’’ In exceptional cases, a child may be fortunate enough to have two.