THE IMPORTANCE OF PETS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 636, 12 April 1929, Page 5

THE IMPORTANCE OF PETS

One of the most pleasing features of I modern life is the consideration child- j ren show toward animals, and some of j the credit for this must be given to ■ the inclusion of Nature study in the school curriculum. Theory is taught in the schools, but only by practice can a child acquire real understanding of and true sympathy with dumb creatures. This practical knowledge can be gained at home if the child is allowed to keep a pet. Many mothers object to animals because they are “troublesome.” Certainly they cause a little extra work, but they are well worth it from the point of view of the child’s education. The possession of a pet cultivates a sense of responsibility. Whether it be a canary, a cat, or a dog, a child soon learns that regular meals and careful attention are necessary if his pet is to live and thrive. And the performance of these duties will help in the devolpment of his character by training him in habits of punctuality, thoughtfulness and kindness. Again, he gets practice in the exercise of power. His pet is at his mercy, but, though children are mischievous, you wijl seldom find a child ill-treating his pet, or, in fact, any other animal. Instead of abusing his power, he will take pride in the wellbeing of his charge, and will develop remarkable patience and self-control in training it. Children are imitative, and very often their way of dealing with pets is a faithful imitation of their parents’ way of dealing with them. If they have been brought up on the scolding, bullying, punishing principle, they will probably adopt the same tactics, knowing no other. Moreover, if the parents are ignorant of the habits and needs of the children’s pets, the children themselves will be careless. They must have some training, although, as a rule, very little will suffice.