Helloooooo my lovely community. I had plans to write on a totally different topic today, but life provided a different topic. So, last night, our family went through a bit of a scare when our puppy, Harley, just 15 months old, had to spend a few hours at the emergency vet due to an injury. Harley is a spunky English Cream Golden Retriever who doesn’t believe she weighs 69.2 lbs. (I learned her exact weight last night, lol ). Thankfully, she’s now home and recovering, but the experience reminded me of important lessons we can teach our children about caring for pets.
In our tradition, we are guided by many principles, including the principle of preventing animal suffering. This value encourages kindness and responsibility toward all living creatures. Pets, like Harley, aren’t just animals—they’re part of our family. I love her. Caring for them teaches both adults and children essential values like empathy, compassion, and responsibility.
One way to help children connect with this responsibility is by encouraging them to take their pet’s perspective. For example, asking questions like, “How do you think Harley feels when she’s hungry or thirsty?” or “What do you think she needs to feel comfortable?” Questions like these can help children better understand their pet’s needs. When kids practice perspective-taking, which is part of the Theory of Mind and Executive Functioning, they not only become more sensitive to the needs of animals, but they also learn how to apply this empathy in other areas of life.
Whether it’s feeding the dog, filling the water bowl, or playing gently, these actions go beyond just tasks—they are ways for children to care for another living being. Explaining that our pets depend on us for their well-being can help kids understand the significance of their role.
By nurturing our children’s ability to think from their pets’ perspective, we are fostering a lifelong understanding of the guiding principle of respect and care for all animals. As we all know, these lessons of kindness and responsibility are values that will stay with them for life.
So everyone, love up your fur babies. While writing this blog tonight, I am listening to my older dog snore away while Harley chews her bone next to me on the sofa (I am a softy).
xoxo,
Dr. Marnee