I have wanted a pet for a while. I think it’s a great experience for children. Of course children learn responsibility; feeding, cleaning and caring yet most importantly the feelings that animals invoke in us – especially compassion. I would like for my own children to learn how to experience what someone else might be feeling… animals help us do this and we sure could use a lot more of that emotion; compassion in our world!
My Dr. Doolittle eldest daughter has been asking for a pet for months and months. A couple of yeas ago we adopted a baby guinea pig named, Polly-Pocket, that she cared for so attentively until sadly, it died suddenly in the night. She was devastated; a lesson in death.
Recently a young man posted on our community e mail list that he was looking for a home for his very friendly, spayed and vaccinated, white, female 3-year old cat. I inquired… and yesterday afternoon, we became acquainted with, ???-The-big-white-cat! My 3 were overcome with excitement – they chased and cornered The Cat, who was very accommodating! She did not hiss or bite or even flinch! She calmly allowed all three kids and a friend to pet her and attempt lifting her. After a time of this treatment I encouraged all 4 children to step back and let The Cat get to know us.
We have moved onto the great name debate. So far the top nominated names are the highly original: Polly-Pocket (again), Snowball, Snow White, and Berele… I’ll keep you updated.