Adopting A Pet:
Kids Corner

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, June 11 and October 15, 2005
Show 216

There's nothing like the love and companionship of a dog. These guys can truly be man's or women's best friends. Adding a pet like Yankee here to your family takes something special. Adopting a pet is a huge commitment. One of the greatest things pet can teach your child is how to be responsible. Fred and Ginger here would make great first time pets for any kid. They're easy to take care of. They're fun to watch, but they don't know how to fetch. Even pets that require more attention, like a dog or a cat, can give you a great opportunity to bond with your child, while caring for the pet together. If you decide on a dog, consider sending your child and pet to obedience classes together. It can be a great bonding experience for the two of them. If taking care of the animal is going to be your child's responsibility, make sure you detail everything you expect them to do. You can set up a chart like this one with spaces for each chore. Stuff like feeding, changing the water,  brushing and exercising. Have your child check off each chore as it's completed. You'll know the jobs are getting done and they'll feel good about having done them. Plus believe it or not, research shows that children who grow up with pets are less likely to have pet allergies, less likely to have common skin diseases like eczema, and have higher levels of certain chemicals to boost the immune system. There are a few things in life as comforting for your child or as good for your soul as the love of one of these furry friends. A great pet can give your child the warmth, the security and the friendship that he or she deserves.