I have a huge problem with parents who claim they "can't keep their kids from hurting/mistreating their pets".
Really? Because I've had pets since both my girls were born, even
adopted a cat when my youngest was just 9 months old. From day ONE, we
watched them closely and taught them the right way to pet, play and hold
animals.
When my youngest was just 2, she was helping me
tame 4 week old kittens. Now, of course I was RIGHT THERE, but my girls
are flawless. This is because anything other than calm, sweet and
careful behavior is simply not acceptable. We rescued our animals, and
they don't come to US to be mistreated. We show love. Hands are for
love, toys are for play. It's very simple to get kids to do this. Yes
it takes some time, but not a whole lot.
A frightened,
mistreated pet will become fearful and insecure. Sometimes hiding,
biting or scratching. They will also "mark" in the house (meaning
pee/poo) because this is actually CALMING to them. They are not trying
to be NAUGHTY, they are trying to relieve their stress. Then, they get
in trouble and fussed at by the adults. Can you imagine thinking every
human you depend on is scary? :(
Then they call ME or other groups wanting to dump their cat who now
hisses, bites and poops on their sons bed. Or their dog who growls,
nips and pees on the couch. When ALL THEY NEED TO DO is teach their
children RESPECT! Every living thing needs their SPACE. They need to
feel SAFE. Don't YOU need and deserve the same treatment? It's a sad
day when parents simply can not teach their children such simple
boundaries.
Animals have no voice. But when they begin
acting out-they ARE trying to tell you something! Stop making excuses
and start parenting. And YES, I've got two little girls (now ages 4 and
6-been doing rescue for almost 4 years), so YES I can say this! I see
this ALL the time and it is extremely upsetting to me.
~Stephanie
Kitties & Kritters
