FOR BREAKING NE WS VISIT www.qns.com october 29, 2015 • pets • The Queens Courier 67 pets CHOICES OF KID-FRIENDLY PETS By Tresa Erickson Kids in general love animals, so it’s only natural that parents would want to bring a pet into their family. Some pets are better with kids than others, of course. Snakes, for example, generally do not make good pets for kids because of their size and strength. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, often make great pets for kids, especially more affectionate breeds. Following are some tips for selecting a kid-friendly pet and helping kids respect it. Of all the pets available, dogs and cats are often the best choices for kids. Dogs and cats tend to interact more with people and are more apt to put up with spirited kids. Some breeds do better with kids than others, so find out what breeds are considered kid friendly and focus on them. If you’re looking for a pet that is a little less hands on, hamsters are ideal. Kids can get a great deal of enjoyment watching a hamster run around its cage, in and out of tunnels and around and around on the wheel. And, when kids are interested in a little cuddling s time, the hamster can be removed from its cage and held in the hand for a bit of petting. Just make sure you supervise the activity, as hamsters will nip. While fun to watch, hamsters do not live a long time. Keep that in mind. You don’t want to traumatize your kids with the death of one hamster after another. For parents looking for a pet that is completely hands off but pure fun to watch, fish or turtles might fill the bill. An aquarium of colorful fish darting this way and that can keep kids entertained, as can a turtle moving around in its cage. Because they are so hands off, however, some kids can grow bored of their pet fish or turtle. Whatever pet you choose, you must teach your kids to respect it. Kids need to understand that pets are animals, and like them, they have preferences. Kids don’t like to be bothered when they are eating, drinking or sleeping, and neither do pets. Kids don’t like to be smacked or teased, and neither do pets. When teaching kids to deal with pets, supervision is crucial. Select a good kid-friendly pet for your household and teach your kids to treat it with care. Amie B. Mizzi, LMHC Pet Bereavement Specialist Here to listen, help, and heal 135 Trinity Place West Hempstead, NY 11552 917-359-8395 NewDay Counseling FOR A PET LOVER/PET PARENT THERE IS NO PAIN THAT IS AS DEVASTATING Happy Haloween From PET GROOMING/ SUPPLIES/SERVICES st Place of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com An ExquisitE PuPPy’s BoutiquE Specializing in toyS, t-cupS, pooS, & hybridS too! large Selection of apparel for t-cup and toy breedS! email us at: [email protected] Financing Available • Layaway For Christmas AS THE LOSS OF A BELOVED PET PuPPy nursery hours are: To many of us, pets are a member of our family. You talk to friends, family, and even coworkers. Some understand but so many don’t truly comprehend the depth of your pain. NewDay Counseling is a service that specializes in pet bereavement. We are here to listen, empathize, and help guide you through the grieving process. Together we will help you heal. For more information please call 917-359-8395. Tues-Sat:10AM-8PM Sun:10AM-6PM • Mon: by appt. only Must have coupon at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp 2/28/16. GROOMING AND BOARDING Must present this coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp 2/28/16. $200 OFF THE REGULAR PRICE OF YOUR NEW PUPPY Dogs must be up to date with their rabies & vaccines. Boarding for dogs under 30 pounds only. visit us at: www.vanityPuPs.com 38-13 BELL BOULEVARD • BAYSIDE 718.224.3643 • 718.224.3680 20% OFF
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