A Dog Party Can Teach Your Kids New Skills

When Kids Discover Pets

by Lauren Wygant & Larry Kay

When was the last time you threw a party for your dog? Your dog is an easy guest of honor to please. Planning and throwing a party for your dog helps your children learn skills like scheduling, making choices that may be different from their own but better for someone else, and appreciation.

"But, " you say, "our family dog's birthday is in April." That's OK; there is plenty to celebrate. Have a dog party to welcome home your new best friend, obedience school graduation, or a neighborhood dog show. Invent a special day that celebrates your dog's cute ears, waggy tail, happy wiggles, or howl that can wake the neighbors – they're all worth making a special day.

To start, sit down with your kids and make a list of what is wonderful about your dog. Help your children be very specific about what they love. If they have a hard time, start talking about the very specific things you love about your kids. They'll catch on. From this long list you choose one attribute to celebrate.

Now, decide how much to spend on your dog's party. It isn't necessary to go shopping, and a zero budget is just fine, but make sure it is a choice.

Next, choose what kind of party it will be. Is your dog rambunctious and up for an energetic party? Is your dog more reserved and apt to enjoy a quiet afternoon with the family? Whatever you decide is best for your dog, have your children make cards, make up songs, and wrap gifts for your dog. It's good to have children use their creative muscles on this because, after all, your dog will be happy with the attention whether or not you give Grammy award winning performances.

"Gifts?" you say, "But you said no shopping!" Right. Wrap a dog treat in wads of yesterday's newspaper, let him tear it apart and eat the treat, and he'll be as happy as someone else might be if you showed up with the Hope Diamond. After edible and squeaky things, dogs simply like your time and attention.

Next, help your children make a loose schedule for the party: how long it will be, when you will play games, when you will give gifts, etc. Encourage your children to stick to the plan even if their focus starts to get wobbly. Sticking to a reasonable schedule is a life skill that will serve them well as they grow.

All that's left is to have fun!

...and clean up. Surprise your kids with one more game. Make clean-up a game by rewarding for the biggest pile of paper, the cleanest dishes, and the best attitude. Everyone gets a reward for being good at something.

Dog parties are easy and fun, and with a little effort they are full of teaching moments. For more ideas on family dog parties, and to get your free Animal Wow Dog Party Fun Book, sign up at www.animalwow.com.

SIDEBAR:

Need More Reasons to Throw a Dog Party?

1. American Humane is celebrating 130 years of protecting children and animals, so what's not to celebrate? See sidebar article, or visit www.americanhumane.org to find out more about improving the lives of both children and animals.

2. Dogs For The Deaf is celebrating 30 years of rescuing dogs and helping people. An organization started by a request from American Humane, Dogs For The Deaf now places assistance dogs all over the U.S. and Canada. Go to www.DogsForTheDeaf.org to see lots of dogs worth celebrating!

3. The third week of October is Wolf Awareness Week. Celebrate your dog's ancestors and his inner-wolf.

4. Mahatma Gandhi was born this month. His famous quote, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated," is worth a very dog friendly party.

5. Studies show that for most people, having a pet offers health benefits such as reduced stress, lower cholesterol, more exercise, and less depression. But you already knew that. Throw a party to celebrate your Dr. Dog!

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Happy 130th Birthday to the American Humane Association

This year, the American Humane Association is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its founding in 1877. The association is observing this historic milestone with activities, special publications, official proclamations from public officials, and the unveiling of its newly redesigned logo.

American Humane began with the unique mission to help protect both animals and children from abuse, neglect, cruelty and exploitation. That is still its mission and purpose today, as well as promoting understanding of The Link between animal abuse and human violence. Through many services and programs, American Humane is a national leader as well as the "voice" of those who cannot speak for themselves – our animals and our children.

You can thank American Humane for the "Be Kind to Animals Week®" national observance (which started in 1915), and for the "No Animals Were Harmed®" credit on movies and TV programs (which American Humane began in 1940).

American Humane's extraordinary Rescue Rig is an 82-foot specialized emergency response tractor/trailer that travels the country throughout the year. When not in use at emergency sites like Hurricane Katrina, the Rescue Rig makes appearances free of charge to promote local rescue efforts with visibility and media attention.

Say "Happy Birthday" to American Humane by sending your best wishes to info@americanhumane.org. Learn much more about American Humane's incredible and historic legacy at www.americanhumane.org.