Search Results for: pets pets and family life

Why Pets Aren’t Good Presents

This goes without saying, but you can never say it too often because it happens every year: don’t give pets as presents.  If you’re thinking about gifting a pet to someone you love this year, consider very carefully.  Pets are lifelong commitments and responsibilities, not fun presents. Now, I can think of one context in which it could be OK to give a pet for a present: if the person receiving asked for it, knew that’s what they were getting, and understood the responsibilities involved.  That means in most cases, it’s not appropriate to get pets as gifts for children: … Continue reading →

Two Kitties and a Lot of Chaos

We have an unofficial saying in our home, “If life gets overwhelming, just add something else to the mix.” Okay, so this really isn’t our saying, but it should be, since that is what we usually wind up doing! The last few weeks have been very busy. In addition to our normal activities, one of my children is called to rehearsal for a musical four to six days each week. Work has picked up a little bit for me as well as some new responsibilities at church. Needless to say, the house and car look like they have both been … Continue reading →

The Family Behind the “Family Circus” Comic

Bil Keane, creator of the popular, and family friendly comic called “Family Circus” has passed away. He was 89 years old. His comic incorporated many situations that happened to him and his family in real life. Some of the characters were based on members of his actual family. Bil Keane started producing his comic, “Family Circus”, in 1960. Today, his comic strip has been featured in around 1,500 newspapers all across the United States. I cannot think of another comic that is so wholesome, heartwarming, and family friendly. “Family Circus” gave readers a mix of traditional family values, and humor. … Continue reading →

Muppets Movie Trailers

The start of summer saw the release of four Muppet movie trailers. The tone of those trailers, though they contained many of the same scenes, taught us a lot what the new Muppet movie will feel like. Isn’t that any diehard Muppets fan’s biggest complaint: that most of the Muppet movies released in the 1990s didn’t feel like Muppet movies? Something about them didn’t contain that unique Jim Henson sense of humor. It’s not that we expect they could, since Henson’s passing. That raises the question, however, of whether Muppet movies should continue if they couldn’t remain true to their … Continue reading →

Understanding the Relationship Between Pets and Allergies

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Does your allergic child want a puppy? Can having a cat or dog in your house cause your baby to become allergic to animals? It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to allergies, pets, and what is safest for your child. Before you decide to ban all animals from your home, forever, there are some things you should know about pet related allergies. There are many parents who will not consider getting a dog or cat until after their baby gets older. Some parents will hold off until their child is in preschool, or may … Continue reading →

Custody Battles Over Pets

I’ve heard of nasty child custody battles, but I’d never thought of the same for pets. However, after reading about the concept in a recent Huffington Post article I don’t find it that surprising. After all, pets are like children to many people and even those that aren’t are still beloved by their owners. It’s no surprise that either divorcing party wouldn’t want to part with their pet. Pet custody has recently become a more contentious issue. Cases have risen 23% and Harvard Law now offers a course in the field. While I imagine that pet custody struggles are not … Continue reading →

Visiting and Helping an Animal Shelter

We love animals. My daughter would like a dog, but I think that we are full at the moment. With fish, two pet rats, and four – ack! – cats, the ark is definitely not taking any more animals at the moment. She would also like to be a vet (and a sushi chef, and a doctor, and a …). She likes to pretend that she is rescuing animals. If you have a child who also loves animals, visiting or helping an animal shelter or rescue center is one way to encourage their interest. If you can visit the shelter … Continue reading →

The Census and Your Child

The 2010 Census, which determines population numbers, will be made public in just a few weeks. However, a number of groups are already making claims about how the information will be used, and much of it involves children. The survey questioned Americans about the number of people in each household, where they lived, and the types of living conditions they endure. The answers will be sliced and diced, and in the end, they will offer insight into how Americans are living and where aid is needed the most. Painting a clear picture on the disparities faced by American families is … Continue reading →

Pets and the Special Needs Child

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When you have a child with a special need, the thought of having an animal to take care of in addition to all of the other work you do can seem like an overwhelming hassle that isn’t worth it. However, children with special needs can benefit in numerous ways from having a pet to bond with and play with. Having a pet teaches every child the importance of responsibility. Your child will learn quickly that the pet needs to be fed, cleaned and cared for. If your child can physically participate in those responsibilities, she should be allowed to. The … Continue reading →

Pets for Patriots

I’ve made no secret how devoted I am to helping the cause of animal shelters. I only adopt pets from shelters, and I’m active in my local rescue. Not only do I want to promote support of shelters and rescues, I want to put a focus on unique rescues meant to serve a specific need. In this case, to celebrate its recent Texas debut, I want to draw attention to the animal nonprofit Pets for Patriots. Pets for Patriots, according to its recent release on free press release site PR*Urgent, is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the love and affection … Continue reading →