Family Pets
All the world is watching to see what type of dog President-elect Obama will choose for his daughters. As a child, in our household there was always a family pet. There were times when there was more than one. Back then the family pet was usually a dog or cat or sometimes both.
The trend now is leaning toward the exotic pets - lizards, snakes, alligators and the like. The only problem with that is, after they get so large or unmanageable, the owners release them. Or in some instances they are passed on to other family members, which is what happened in my case. I inherited my son's 5' Savannah Monitor.
The article pointed out that exotic animals now pose a health risk to children in the form of infectious diseases. Even the small ones like hamsters and hedgehogs. There have been a few cases where children have contracted a disease but these are very rare. I remember one in particular because it was highlighted on a talk show. The family pet just happened to be a Savannah Monitor. The child contracted a disease from the lizard and died. After seeing this show, you can believe I got rid of mine.
The article makes some valid points but it all boils down to using common sense when purchasing a family pet. You wouldn't buy a child of 5 or 6 a python or lion cub. Even with laws in place governing exotic pets, people are still purchasing them. In the end it all comes down to one thing. As Marc Morrone of Parrots of the World answered "What is the best kind of dog for a child?" "Whatever kind of dog the parent wants to take care of."
Newsday, D.F. (2008) Exotic pets pose health risk to young children. Dayton Daily News.
Life, p. 7
The trend now is leaning toward the exotic pets - lizards, snakes, alligators and the like. The only problem with that is, after they get so large or unmanageable, the owners release them. Or in some instances they are passed on to other family members, which is what happened in my case. I inherited my son's 5' Savannah Monitor.
The article pointed out that exotic animals now pose a health risk to children in the form of infectious diseases. Even the small ones like hamsters and hedgehogs. There have been a few cases where children have contracted a disease but these are very rare. I remember one in particular because it was highlighted on a talk show. The family pet just happened to be a Savannah Monitor. The child contracted a disease from the lizard and died. After seeing this show, you can believe I got rid of mine.
The article makes some valid points but it all boils down to using common sense when purchasing a family pet. You wouldn't buy a child of 5 or 6 a python or lion cub. Even with laws in place governing exotic pets, people are still purchasing them. In the end it all comes down to one thing. As Marc Morrone of Parrots of the World answered "What is the best kind of dog for a child?" "Whatever kind of dog the parent wants to take care of."
Newsday, D.F. (2008) Exotic pets pose health risk to young children. Dayton Daily News.
Life, p. 7
4 comments:
Sounds like what happened to me. My Grandfather died and I inherited his dog. He named the dog after me. So picture me calling the dogs name...it's like calling for myself. Strange but, oh so true!
I think Obama should rescue an animal as they already have planned. So many animals are in need of a home.
I do not really have any family pets. The ones we had from my grandparents actually died so...but I do find family pets intriguing and they become a parts of ones family. I actually have been thinking about getting my kids a pet, but my husband is not allowing it.
I do not really have any family pets. The ones we had from my grandparents actually died so...but I do find family pets intriguing and they become a parts of ones family. I actually have been thinking about getting my kids a pet, but my husband is not allowing it.
Dee,
Good post. I inherited 2 dogs and 2 cats from my mother in law. They were nice, but I liked picking out my new dog better. Each of my animals are special. They are just like part of the family. I make plans around them, find some one to let them out if I am going to be gone long, and even plan vacations with them. Each gets a turn at going on vacation.
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