We remember…Blackie. Or Brandy. Or Buddy. Animals don’t live forever, but the imprint of their bonds with children does. Adult help in selecting pets and guiding children in their care can help nourish these bonds.

What kinds of pets are good with children?

They’re cute, entertaining, expressive, sociable, and affectionate. They don’t bark or meow. They don’t need to be taken for walks.

Are rabbits perfect pets? For some people, yes. But like dogs and cats, rabbits require daily care. Rabbits are healthiest and happiest when they live with people who understand and can accommodate their needs.

Fido barks and dances in circles to greet you. He barks when you come home and when he’s home alone. He frightens off burglars and brings in neighbors’ complaints. Fluffy, on the other hand, purrs when you sit down for her to snuggle on your lap. The neighbors never complain about her meows, but they do complain when she digs up their gardens.

For decades, we’ve fed our dogs and cats processed food from cans and bags. Pet food manufacturers and veterinarians have assured us that food made especially for cats and dogs is the best for their nutritional needs.

A kitten or a cat? Domestic or purebred? Short-haired or long-haired?

Once you adopt a cat, she’ll be part of your family for up to 20 years. How do you choose a kitten or cat from all the felines waiting to be adopted?

There are many pets beyond the family dog or cat available for children today. Dogs and cats require a lot of work and are not allowed by some landlords, leading many families to look for alternative pets to join their family. Look at the list below to get some new ideas for the perfect pet for your family.

Today’s world is, unfortunately, out of touch with nature in many ways. Pets can be the means for bringing some of the wilder spirit of the natural world into our homes. Children, in particular, often derive a lot of comfort and joy from reconnecting to nature in this way. Though it is unrealistic to expect young people to shoulder all the responsibilities that are involved with caring for pets, letting them take on some of the work can teach them valuable lessons about responsibility, as well.

Those of us who had pets as children probably remember the unconditional love we received, the pleasures of animal companionship, and the lessons in caring for another creature. Most likely, we gained far more from our pets than we realize even now.