Understanding And Caring For Your Pet

Understanding And Caring For Your Pet

Juvenile nonfiction
Animal companions can be a very special part of childhood,
providing kids with unconditional love and acceptance, fun times and
happy memories, and chances to learn and grow. I believe that the
presence of first Murray, then Sapphire, and now Joey, our good family
cats, in my children's lives helped them become the kind, responsible,
compassionate adults they are today. Under the right circumstances,
it is a very good idea to share your home with companion animals.
Surprising a child with a pet is a very bad, horrible,
irresponsible, dumb, stinky, no good idea. Often it does not work
out. Look at how shelters see an influx of bunnies not long after
Easter. Rather than being cute animated toys, rabbits are complex
creatures with very special needs.
A child recipient needs to realize that an animal requires a
very special commitment. There's a big investment of time and energy
required to make the relationship work. Some of the tasks involved
can be rather stinky. And unlike electronics and other objects that
can be upgraded, a dog or cat can't be traded in if a child's interest
begins to waver. Joey cat, at 14, is very much still thriving.
A training process is, in my mind, a must for a child wishing to
adopt an animal companion. Perhaps she can apprentice with the
critter of a friend or family member. Walking, feeding, and cleaning
up after a nearby dog, for example, can help her more realistically
weigh her desire for a puppy. And reading about and discussing the
needs of a particular species with parents is another way she can self
assess readiness. The Understanding and Caring for Your Pet series is
an attractive critter care library that was specifically designed for
young readers.
"Kittens are fantastic fun--playful, funny, loving, and
energetic. It's easy to spend hours just watching them, playing with
them, petting them, and enjoying them to the fullest. They don't stay
kittens, of course--though many remain young at heart throughout their
lives."
Claire Horton-Bussey's Kittens gives prospective adopters advice
on all
things feline beginning from scratch. There's information about some
popular breeds including the fabulous mixed breeds like Joey (90% of
American felines). There's what to acquire and how to kitten proof
your abode. I was happy to see toys and interactive play included in
the essentials.
Litter box training is a must. A new feline must be integrated
with any preexisting nonhuman family members. And there's information
on feeding, grooming, and health care.
The book is packed with totally adorable pictures.
"The rabbit is a favorite with families all over the world.
Apart from cats and dogs it is one of the most popular of all the
furry (mammal) creatures we keep as pets."
Dr. Anne McBride's Rabbits is a must read for prospective child
adopters and their parents. Unless their offspring are teens, mom and
dad are going to assume a lot of the care and expense required for
health and longevity.
Forget about a small cage. Even a petite bunny will need a 6' x
2' x 2' hutch, raised off the ground if it's outside, with a separate
sleeping area. Bunny proofing to allow Cottontail the run of the
house can be quite complex, especially if she has to share the turf
with other four footers. Those convenient to dish out pellets must
supplement hay and veggies. Long furred bunnies need frequent
grooming. Nails and teeth must be kept from getting too long...
Not exactly what an eight-year-can manage solo. I think that was
about how old my best friend and her twin brother were when they were
gifted with several bunnies. They were always going to take care of
them. Their mom got fed up. Hausenfeffer made the Sunday lunch
menu. My family was visiting them that day. When we learned what
we'd just dined on...
Don't get me wrong. Rabbits can be affectionate, precious,
amazing animal companions. I have friends who can't imagine life
without them. Just if you have adoption on your mind, be realistic
about what you're getting into. If this fits your lifestyle...
...hop to it!
Again the photos are precious.
"Ferrets can be a lot of fun to keep as pets. They are lively,
intelligent animals, although not particularly obedient. They come in
a variety of colors and usually weigh between two and four pounds
(900g-1.8kg)."
These days I love seeing people walk around carrying curious
ferrets in hands, on shoulders, or in carrying devices. Those
incredibly soft critters who usually greet even total strangers with
gentle nuzzles remind me of my childhood companion Sniffles.
A ferret can be a tad destructive. It has a slightly musky
smell that does not endear it to some people. But it can be an
enchanting, amusing, affectionate chum. Just please read Dr. Anne
McBride's Ferrets before setting up an adoption.
I'd consider it more a YA than child pet. (The demographic I've
seen most taken with it is the college student/recent grad crowd).
Although mischievous and playful, a ferret is smaller and more
delicate than a cat or dog and more apt to be hurt during rough and
tumble play. And poor eyesight combined with predatory instincts give
it a tendency to nip. Prospective homes must be ferret proofed.
Regular care and enriching and social experiences are essential. A
parent should definitely supervise a child caretaker.
Oh, yeah, before you even think of adopting a ferret check your
state's laws. They aren't legal everywhere.
Those are just three of the books in the series. I think just
about any companion animal your family wants to (and can legally)
adopt has its volume. Orono Public Library has wisely invested in the
series, a good example your library would do well to follow.
On a purrrrrsonal note, my organizing is going well. I've decided
it's my spring cleaning which puts me ahead on a task that normally
inspires procrastination. I'm also writing and doing cat assisted
reading near my lovely tree.
We're in a bitter cold snap with below zero wind chills. If you have
an animal companion who goes outside pay special to his her
protection. Layer and don't sacrifice warmth for style when you go
out. Keep in touch with medically fragile friends and family
members. And if the cold is getting you down, remind yourself that a
prolonged cold snap will interfere with the reproductive cycles of
disease bearing ticks and the fleas that torment our cats and dogs.
It's getting close to New Years Eve. Please celebrate responsibly.
Have fun seeing the old year out.
My New Years plans (rather than resolutions) are to get the house
organized for grad school, work on getting my book manuscripts, and
get Joy To Maine to the point where we can save our first animal lives.
I hope you've enjoyed my 2017 reviews and plan to stick with me in 2018.
jules hathaway



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