Posted: November 15, 2011 3 p.m. EST
Taking care of food and water for a pet is a great teaching tool for children. |
American Pet Products Association 2011/2012 National Pet Owners Survey shows dogs and
cats help instill responsibilities among children.
In addition to companionship, affection, love and company, a top benefit of owning cats and dogs includes teaching children responsibility. According to APPA’s 2011/2012 National Pet Owners Survey, 58% of small
animal owners rank teaching children responsibilities as a key benefit in owning pets, followed by 44% of equine owners and 43% of reptile owners, posing the idea that
dog, cat and other pet ownership is a great teaching tool for children.
“There are so many joys and benefits pets of all types bring to our lives, and they truly help instill responsibility among children from ensuring they have plenty of food and water to helping them receive daily exercise and play,” said Bob Vetere, APPA president.
Celebrating the joys and benefits pets bring to the lives of children specifically, APPA is currently accepting poems for its 4th Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest.
“Every submission we receive for our Children’s Poetry Contest is the child’s expression of just how much their pet means to them and the happiness these companions bring to their lives,” Vetere said.
Students in grades 3-8 are invited to write a unique poem about a cat or dog, what they love about them and the joys they bring, Then post it online
here or mail their final poem and submission form to: Pets Add Life, 661 Sierra Rose Dr., Reno, NV 89511. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 31, 2012, at 5:00pm EST.
One student from each grade level (six total) nationwide will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a byline in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students’ classrooms will each win a $1,000 scholarship to spend on dog- and cat-related education.