Hi, it'sYollie here, I'm taking over the blog for a bit.
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| Teegee: So Yollie what do you think? |
I just wanted to share my thoughts
regarding this question....
I don't like to offend and don't for a minute think people intentionally provide an inappropriate or inadequate environment for their pets, but sadly this is often the case.
Especially when the decision is made when
unprepared or for the wrong reasons or on impulse
or at the whim of a child or.... .... ....
It is ever so common for the 'first' pets ie, guinea pigs, mice, rats, bunnies, fish etc. to suffer from this decision.
It is a sad fact that humans place these pets as the 'pocket' or 'easy' care, 'good for kids' category which is WRONG!!
I say a pet ROCK is a good first pet for a child. My child had one. She had to show (by role-play) everyday that she was responsible for the blessed
innate object before I would consider extending
our fur-family. And, should the 'rock' be forgotten, not interesting/cute/active/calm enough for the child, no matter, no harm done, IT'S A ROCK!
So I firmly say, don't buy a pet for the children choose a nice rock and decorate it. If you do
extend your family with a pet then it is the adults pet and responsibility.
Think of it as adding a 'sibling' to the household and you will understand what I mean.
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| "Sir Chester the Mouser" 2001 - 2012 |
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| Holly 2001- 2014 |
Here is our story.....
My husband and I have always been blessed with furbabies since before my girl was born. Living this way is all she has ever know and thus she treats them as we taught her to, like her siblings and her elders.
My daughter was 4 when we adopted our first bunny 'Buddy' (R.I.P little poppet- still miss you dearly *sob*).
She wanted him, but he was MINE! This was made very clear from day one. She was allowed to assist in all responsibilities of owning a pet- the only difference, she was assisting as they were not 'her' but my responsibility and only ever under my close supervision.
Since then, our menagerie has grown considerably from Holly Dog to, as you probably know (because you are here reading this) The Fairy Castle with it's many residents; Angel, Teegee, Patches and none other than Miss Sweetie.
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| Lady Tinkerbelle with her chicks |
Then there are the chooks, fishes and none other than our newest furbaby, Princess Willow:
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| Princess Willow the Fearless Feline |
My daughter is very responsible
and helpful in their care but knows ultimately they are Mummy's
but, that she can love and share (she wants to be a vet when she grows up, and has said so since the ripe old age of 2). She makes me laugh when visiting children ask to pick one up, her reply;
'NO! We don't pick up our bunnies, they have 4 good feet of their own!!'
She then tells them to crouch down and have a 'cuddle' on the ground. To which they do and everyone and "bun" is happy!!
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| Miss Princess with L-R Teegee and Angel |
Watching my daughter on her Child's-bench seat with 4 contented bunnies in a row at her feet - they are listening to her do her school 'reader'. This, for me, is the best sight in all the world!!
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| L-R Patches, Angel, Teegee, Sweetie |
If anyone asks me if they should get a pet (any kind) for their kids I firmly reply NO, decorate a pet rock!!! But then I tell them my story.
Should you be in this situation and, after reading
my story and think that an addition to your family
is an option and that you can provide everything your pet needs for the life of your pet then I say, visit a shelter and save a life. Just ask Belle and Ariel (ex-battery cage hens) and they will tell you
it is the best feeling in the world to be free and loved!
Please let me know your thoughts or share your story, I would love to hear them.
Till next time, Yollie signing off....keep well everyone and bun ;o) xoxox
Sorry everyone, nearly forgot and Sweetie would have my guts for garters - this weeks audience : welcome first timers in Pakistan and Brazil and thanks to everyone for stopping by -
as Sweetie says, 'Don't be shy, and hop by to say hi!'
