NATIONAL KIDS AND PETS DAY

By Wednesday, April 26, 2017 24 No tags Permalink

Today is National Kids and Pets Day #whoknew

NATIONAL KIDS AND PETS DAY

A special day created in 2005 by celebrity Family & Pet Life Style Expert Colleen Paige.

From all that I gathered it’s a –

dedicated day to celebrate the magical bond between children and animals as well as educate the public about safety between children and pets. Source: Colleen Paige

THE BOND –

For me, watching children and the Boys interact has been a fascinating experience each and every time…

NATIONAL KIDS AND PETS DAY

Whether it’s a child they’ve never met before…

NATIONAL KIDS AND PETS DAY

Or a little human they’ve seen on more than one occasion…

NATIONAL KIDS AND PETS DAY

It’s as if they are built to understand how precious the child is, making them extraordinarily gentle around them…

NATIONAL KIDS AND PETS DAY

CANINE BODY LANGUAGE –

Harley & Jaxson are fluffy, and always smiling. Children gravitate to them quickly, often before the parent and I can offer a proper introduction.

Because they don’t speak english, the only way I can comprehend and understand what they’re trying to tell me is through their body language –

  • Stress
  • Discomfort
  • Nervousness

– all exhibit different kinds of behavior – which as a result can perceive a threat if you’re not aware of the signs.

Through the years,  I’ve watched Harley interact with lil humans…

NATIONAL KIDS AND PETS DAY

He’s not only taught me a great deal, Jaxson has benefited as well. While Jaxson is rough around the edges with adults, he’s slow and cautious around children.

Doodle Dad and I do not have lil humans in the house. But the Boys are like the cereal  “Shredded Wheat”  -they have a magical way of bringing the kid out in both of us…

NATIONAL KIDS AND PETS DAY

NATIONAL KIDS AND PETS DAY –

A few reminders –

  • never leave small children alone with dogs or cats that could potentially cause them harm.
  • make sure your children are ready for a new pet.
  • please understand your dogs body language well before allowing a child to approach him.

The bond between a child and a pet is a silent and magical connection. It is a link between two souls that was created in the stars above. It is a love and loyalty that becomes an eternal part of the human experience. There is nothing more pure, more at peace, more perfect that the love a child and their pet share together. Collen Paige

This is our “wordy” contribution in the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

24 Comments
  • Robin
    April 26, 2017

    Your dogs are so patient! What sweethearts to love children the way they do. Great advice about pet-child safety. It is so important that children are alway supervised when they interact with pets. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      I’ve always wanted dogs that were good with kids – even though ours are grown, we are always around children. The Boys are the greatest when it comes to little people.

  • Jackie Bouchard
    April 26, 2017

    Who knew indeed? Never heard of “children & pets day.” Rita is glad I haven’t heard of it, since she doesn’t have much experience with little ones. She kinda ignores them on the rare occasions when we do have one around here.

    Cute pics! Your pups are such sweeties.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      I know many dogs that prefer to keep a strong distance from children. The problem seems to be that the children’s parents don’t always teach their children not to approach the dogs. Too often it has a very bad ending and the dog pays the penalty when it wasn’t his fault. We must teach people w/o dogs that all dogs don’t want to play with the children.

  • Brando and Bogart
    April 26, 2017

    The innocence of the children, and the patience of your pups, made for some amazing photos! Every day is Kids and Pets Day in our house…Lol!

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      Thank you! I have ton’s – so choosing only a few was really difficult.

  • Rosa @ Cat Lady Confidential
    April 27, 2017

    I had never heard about this day before but it’s a great idea! Unfortunately my cat is very afraid of children (mostly because they are very noisy). He’ll just hide until they go away.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      Kids are noisy, and they move fast. I know many people whose cats run for their hiding places when children come around.

  • Pam Greer
    April 27, 2017

    What a great day!

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      Indeed Pam, great day indeed!

  • Pamela
    April 27, 2017

    With all the things we have to teach our dogs, isn’t it amazing when some of them “just know” how to behave around small kids?

    As you know, Honey is a very enthusiastic greeter with adults. But put a baby next to her and she’s as calm and quiet as can be.

    We’re very lucky to have our pups in our lives, aren’t we? Especially when they bring children and other interesting people into our lives.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      Everyday with Harley and Jaxson makes every hour special. But you know that because you’ve got Honey!

  • All Things Collie
    April 27, 2017

    Great post, too many people are just not cautious enough with children and pets. It makes me sad to see puppies being abused by children who were never taught respect and empathy. And too often we see children severely injured by dog attacks, that could have been prevented…

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      AbsDOODLEtutely! And too often it severs the bond that could have developed between a child and a pet. So sad. So unnecessary…

  • Dolly the Doxie
    April 27, 2017

    We are firm believers that children should grow up with pets, those that don’t have “issues.” I was never around kids so I don’t like them but Taffy had all of the grandkids to play with so she’s always saying hi to kids first. Which isn’t really good either. Love Dolly

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      I didn’t have a pet growing up – therefore I really didn’t gravitate to them as a child. Had no real desire. But now? I’m a child at heart every time I see a dog.

  • Monika & Sam
    April 27, 2017

    Both the poodles are magnets when it comes to little people and they almost always enjoy their attention. I know their body language well enough to know what one of them is not appreciated. Children and pet do equal magic though, especially when it’s all good.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      On a few occasions I’ve watched a child be entirely too rough with one of the Boys. the parents did nothing so I stepped in and removed them. Even though Harley nor Jax showed any signs of aggression, I didn’t think it was fair to allow the child to abuse my Boys.

  • Jan K
    April 27, 2017

    This is such a great reminder for people to be careful. Unfortunately, our dogs aren’t too big on kids. Cricket is OK, as long as they will throw her ball, but then she scares them when she barks at them to do it faster! And to Luke, kids are just mini-strangers, to be feared. You’re so lucky to have dogs that are great around kids!

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 1, 2017

      I didn’t know Luke was shy around humans. Leo used to be ultra cautious when children approached him. Gradually (Especially with “Wilson” around ) he gained more confidence.

  • Happy-Go-Doodle
    April 28, 2017

    Looks like you share smiles wherever you go! So adorable!

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 3, 2017

      We try! It makes our day.

  • Tonya Wilhelm
    May 2, 2017

    You look like you are having so much fun. Kids and dogs, so sweet.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 3, 2017

      Thanks Tonya! They adore children and from what I can see, the feeling is mutual.