Are You the Pet for ME?: Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family Book

Most children, at one time or another, will ask, even plead, for a pet. And their parents, eager to give their kids what they want, will give-in, too often focusing on the cute and fluffy aspects and all but ignoring the realities of pet ownership. In Are You the Pet For Me? author Mary Jane Checchi spells out not only what's in store for the potential pet owner, but also--and perhaps more importantly--what type of animal is best suited to your family, or even if you and your kids are cut-out for a pet at all. Beginning with the basics of what pet ownership can do for your family, including the opportunity for kids to learn responsibility and experience the rewards of animal companionship, Checchi moves on to the all important step of choosing the right pet for your child. This process involves weighing your family's pet resources, such as money (visits to the vet aren't free), time, space (do you have a fenced yard large enough for a dog?), and health issues (dog and cat dander can wreak havoc on certain allergy sufferers), against the characteristics of the animal you're considering, including size (just how big will that lovely iguana get), personality traits, energy level (a terrier in need of two trips to the off-leash park everyday doesn't fit very well with the family who's away from the home for hours on end), and level of adult supervision needed when the child is present. Finally, Checchi offers helpful advice on bringing your pet home and keeping your kids and their new little furry or feathered friend safe, making Are You the Pet For Me? a valuable tool in making one of the most important decisions in your and your potential pet's life.Read More