OKLAHOMA CITY – As we approach Christmas, I wish the best to each of you. I look forward to seeing family over the weekend ahead and spending some quality time with my dog Rainy.
Pets are a joyous part of countless families. As long as I can remember, we have had pets in my family. It was usually a mix of cats, dogs, birds, and fish growing up. The cats and dogs that were a part of my formative years still hold a special place in my heart.
While many might wish to give a puppy or kitten as a gift, there are essential things to consider. Here are a few reasons to consider why you should not give your kids a pet for the holidays and choose a gift certificate for a pet instead:
• Holidays are overwhelming, and they will be overwhelming for your new pet.
• Holiday decorations can be dangerous to curious puppies or kittens.
• Pets are living animals and not short-term toys; children must understand that.
• You must always supervise kids and pets; holidays make that task tougher.
• Your kids may not be ready for the responsibility of a pet.
• Pets change lives and require a family adjustment.
• Pets must have good chemistry with owners, so take time to find a good fit.
• You need to ensure no one in your family is allergic to the pet before taking it home.
Instead of a live pet, consider giving children a gift certificate for a shelter or an “adoption kit” with a leash, pet bed, and other pet supplies. This strategy will ease holiday stress. Plus, your family can spend time picking out a pet together. Even with the responsibilities, here is why pets make a positive addition to the family:
• Research shows children who grow up in homes with pets have more robust immune systems and are less likely to develop childhood allergies and asthma
• Having a pet teaches a child responsibility. Looking after pets also helps children develop empathy for others.
• Caring for pets helps with learning, as research has shown students feel more confident reading to animals.
• Pets offer comfort and companionship to kids.
• Having a pet helps build family bonds as animals are often the focus of family activities, from walking dogs together to grooming or feeding pets.
• Having pets helps develop a healthy lifestyle for their young owners, encouraging them to be outside and running around, which also helps with well-being.
• Having a pet helps ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation, keeping depression at bay.
• Although most parents want to protect their children from the world’s cruelties, having pets allows kids to understand and learn about the cycle of life.
• Most importantly, pets are fun!
If you are considering a pet, please look to shelters and give a rescue animal a forever home.
I am much better off having a dog in my life. I realized this even more over the past week as my pup has been in the intensive care unit with a blood issue. Thank you to Neel Veterinary and Blue Pearl in Oklahoma City for their care of Rainy. I would appreciate any kind thoughts and prayers as he works through his health concerns. Friends like these will also mean a world of difference for your children.
About OICA: The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy was established in 1983 by a group of citizens seeking to create a strong advocacy network that would provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk. Our mission statement: “Creating awareness, taking action, and changing policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.”