Somebody's Darlings

The practice of keeping pets is a growing phenomenon worldwide. Dogs and cats are arguably the most popular conduits of learning for children. There is a growing scientific curiosity what impact these companion animals have on the psychological well-being, health and emotional lives of children.

Children are often credited with instigating pet acquisition; therefore, households with children are the most likely to have companion animals. From this comes vignettes highlighting events in the lives of two small children ages eight and six with their beloved pets.

Through them we discover the therapeutic benefits of human-animal interaction. Through the pets they learn PATIENCE, CARING, RESPECT and the power of CONNECTION The bond theory between them and their family pets provides enormous benefits for their social, emotional and cognitive development.