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Dear Readers...

A few weeks ago I rolled over in bed and my nose felt something cold and wet. Startled I opened my eyes and to my horror was nose to nose with Spike, our Chihuahua. I jumped up and next to him saw Emily, next to her the cat and next to the cat was my son Cristian, all squashed up like sardines. They were blissfully sleeping which left me momentarily wallowing in the line up affirming my status as a very single mum!

I snapped out of the wallow, removed the animals and squeezed back into bed, grateful we were all together and that the children can wander and slip into my bed when they want to - however not so grateful that our pets think they can too.

We adopted Spike a couple of years ago and found Mini Kitty abandoned as a kitten in a park around the same time. They do create an additional workload but they bring the children so much joy and have taught them many valuable lessons.

Families come in all shapes and sizes and ‘the line up’ is the shape and size of mine.

Jane King
Mother to Emily 8, Cristian 14
Founder of Parenting Australia

Did You Know?

More than eight out of ten Australians have owned a pet at some stage of their lives. Almost two thirds of Australian households currently own pets, and we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Australia currently has a canine population of about 4 million.

Celebrity Interview - Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown
Roving reporter Emily King came along to help us interview Dr Chris Brown, Channel 10's Bondi Vet, we covered heaps of issues relating to parents and kids, Toxoplasmosis and cats during pregnancy, puppies and newborns, worms, fleas, good and bad family dog breeds, why he became a VET and more...

At Paw Paws Urban Retreat luxury accommodation is provided for dogs of all breeds and sizes as well as for cats. Their own private cubby is a place to rest, sleep and consume the fresh organic meals prepared daily in their own kitchen. The rest of the time the dogs join the day care guests in fun filled activities and socialisation with PawPaws fully trained nannies. The indoor and outdoor facilities provide lots of variety in the day and the dogs like nothing better than to splash in the paddle pool and sunbathe with their buddies.
PawPaws offer private tours of the facility as well as free assessments every day of the week.

Parenting Australia Competition
What do dogs value? Why do they get so excited by their daily walk? And why may dogs of different breeds have different needs? In the fascinating new book A Modern Dog’s Life, animal behaviourist, veterinarian and dog lover Dr Paul McGreevy answers these questions and more, offering an exciting new approach to owning and training a dog.

Benefits of dog ownership for children

Growing up with a dog assists in the social development of children by improving social skills and self-esteem.

Children can learn responsibility, empathy and respect by living with and caring for a dog.

Dogs also help to build social networks within the community, creating opportunities for greater social interaction.
Early exposure to pet germs can boost the human immune system and reduce the onset of allergies.
Owning a dog is associated with better cardiovascular health and lower levels of stress and depression in adults and children/adolescents.

Research conducted in Australia and Germany has shown that pet ownership is associated with better human health.
Dog and cat owners use the health system less than non-owners; they make fewer annual doctor visits and spend less time in hospital.
Dogs are loyal friends and heaps of fun.

Benefits of cat ownership for children

Cats are wonderful companions.

A cat will look you in the eye and know when you need some extra attention.

Cats can  calm and relax children by letting children pet them. A cat's purr is a gentle vibration that a child can feel as they stroke their cat. This vibration will seep into the hands and body and calm the child.
A cat will teach your child about responsibility and how to care for something other than themselves.
A cat will spark their imagination with their playfulness. Cats can find a mundane everyday household item the most interesting toy in the world.

They return all the love you give them back tenfold.
When they "meow" they only do it to a human, never to another cat. It is their way of talking to you and only you.
Cats are cuddly.

Do you and the kids love traveling with your dog in the car? The "Road Refresher" is a fantastic new pet water bowl to make that travel a whole lot easier - and cleaner! The bowl's unique design stops spills in the car - even when turning or braking. This allows your pet to remain refreshed throughout the journey and arrive enthusiastic and ready to go on your adventure. The bowl is also great for around the home and will stop spills from, not only your pet's drinking habits, but also accidental kicks from you and the kids.


Is gift-wrapping a puppy going to bring unconditional love? Not quite...

With Christmas coming up and many birthdays of families and friends in the coming year, you may be considering a cute puppy as a gift for that person.
There are many things to consider when choosing a pet and these things even more so come into play when choosing that pet for that special someone.

Bloggers

When I was a child we had a selection of birds, cats, dogs, sheep, goats, fish and mice. I loved having pets – they were great for a chat or for a cuddle and offered friendship with no strings attached... By Johanna Baker-Dowdell. Read more.

Animals have always been a big part of my life and over time, brought me a lot of joy, companionship and taught me important lessons about commitment. Having a comfortable affinity and healthy respect for animals is something that I also want for my children... By Tanya Duncan. Read more.

A little beef over dogs

I have a little beef as a dog owner in NSW. Spike(pictured) is registered with our local council, yet when new legislation was brought in this July, I received no notification in the mail. I have driven with him in the car on numerous occasions since July, he either sits on the back seat or is held by the children, usually in tandem with an argument about who holds him and so is rarely in the car.

I have been inadvertently breaking the law, risking an unblemished driving record, getting a huge fine and losing points. So far of the 170 people charged over the offence, four were caught in school zones. I am all for legislative changes to improve safety but please RTA or council let us know...

For those of you who don’t know already; Legislation introduced in NSW in July stipulates that motorists must not drive a vehicle with an animal on their lap or preventing them from having proper control of the car and carries a penalty of three demerit points and $338, rising to $422 in a school zone. If your pet is injured whilst unrestrained you may also face up to six months jail and fines of up to $5500 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Time to buy a harness...

Special editions of Parenting Australia’s eNews to look forward to

10th November
17th November
24th November
1st December

Healthy Snacking
Pregnancy and Newborn
Toilet Training
Festive Flurry

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The content of this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.