By Lauren Puckett
From the boy throwing a stick for his dog, to the girl cuddling up with her cat, there’s simply no bond like that of a child and his or her companion animal. Pets can play many roles in a child’s life, including playmate, cuddling companion, and friend. In honor of National Kids and Pets Day on April 26, let’s explore the many ways fostering or adopting a pet can benefit children.
#1 Pets improve mental health
Pets comfort us. But more than that, studies have shown they can improve our mental health. In fact, a 2015 study demonstrated that having a pet dog in the home was associated with a decreased probability of childhood anxiety.
#2 Pets teach valuable social skills
Pet ownership requires a child to love, care for, and treat an animal with respect. Playing with a cat or dog allows children to learn about reciprocity and “give and take.” Pets also teach boundaries, tolerance, and acceptance. These are all valuable skills that help a child learn how to interact with other living things.
#3 Pets impart a sense of responsibility
Children can learn responsibility by caring for a pet. For instance, they’ll learn to feed their pet, or in the case of a dog, walk it so it can take care of business. Plus, a pet needs training, which offers the opportunity to teach children about positive reinforcement.
– Blaire Elizabeth Ring
#4 Pets encourage physical activity
Dogs require regular walks and outdoor time, encouraging physical activity for children. Even cats may enjoy a spirited romp about the house with their favorite child.
#5 Pets teach us about loss
As difficult as losing a beloved pet may be, this is a valuable teaching opportunity. It may be a child’s first experience with death, and they can learn useful coping skills for the future. Fostering a pet can also provide this lesson in a gentler way, as children say goodbye to a foster pet when it moves on to its forever home.
To introduce a cat or dog into your family, apply to foster or adopt an animal today.
Come meet our adoptable animals live and in-purr-son at HSLC’s next adoption event! We’ll be at the Dulles Landing PetSmart from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, March 24. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Come meet our adoptable animals live and in-purr-son at HSLC’s next adoption event! We’ll be at the Dulles Landing PetSmart from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, February 18th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Come meet our adoptable animals live and in-purr-son at HSLC’s next adoption event! We’ll be at the Dulles Landing PetSmart from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, January 14th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Come meet the animals hoping to find a home for the holidays! Please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website to check out the current crew!
If a particular fur-baby catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for The Marvels.
Any Marvel fan knows that Goose the “cat” steals every scene she’s in! So, we’ll be bringing some of our own scene-stealing kitties for you to meet. We’ll also be offering HSLC merch in support of our life-saving mission!
For times and tickets, visit the Alamo website.
Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-purr-son! For a sneak peek, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website to check out the current clowder!
If a particular feline (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (see premise below), the sequel to Paw Patrol: The Movie. Come early and stop by the HSLC tables for free giveaways for the kids, HSLC merch for the adults and animals for adoption!
For times and tickets, visit the Alamo website.
Premise: When a magical meteor crash-lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ arch-rival Humdinger breaks out of prison and teams up with a mad scientist to steal the superpowers for the two villains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.
August is Clear the Shelters month! Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-person! For a sneak peek, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website to check out the current clowder!
If a particular feline (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
By Liz Bresnahan
If you are an animal lover, you know that a pet’s love is priceless. Life’s simple moments are that much sweeter. Maybe it is your cat’s calm purr as she keeps you company while reading or your dog’s excitement on walks that makes a routine stroll around the neighborhood anything but mundane. Pets provide so much joy and many consider them an integral part of the family.
If you are thinking about adopting a pet, the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) encourages you to consider an adult animal. While you ultimately have to do what is best for your household, many families who have adopted an adult dog or cat are so glad they did. Here are a couple of points to think about if you are considering adopting an older companion animal.
Time: Quality over quantity
Adopting an adult dog or cat may mean that you do not have as many years to spend with them as you would a puppy or kitten. However, the time you do have will be that much more cherished. In certain cases, rescued animals may not have had an ideal life. However, because HSLC animals are placed in safe and loving foster homes prior to adoption, they can start to heal from their past, if needed. Once adopted, you have the unique privilege of watching your pet continue to blossom into a more happy, trusting, and confident companion. And because you are helping your dog or cat rewrite their story, you can often expect them to show you unconditional love and loyalty in return.
Training: Basics are covered
Adult dogs and cats are usually potty-trained which is definitely a point in their favor. Many adoptable dogs will also know basic commands. But, if a dog needs additional training, know that you may be able to teach an old dog new tricks if you are dedicated to working closely with them. And, when you are successful, it will be so rewarding that you have directly supported the growth and development of your furry companion.
Temperament: No surprises
One of the biggest benefits of adopting an adult animal is that you know what you’re getting. You don’t have to wonder how big they will get or how their personalities will turn out. And, with adults, you are often getting an animal with a calmer temperament. For this reason, adults can be great starter pets for families with children.
Ready to adopt? Check out the wonderful adult animals that are available for adoption right now. Rest assured, HSLC will work with you to find the right animal to fit your household and lifestyle.