Every child deserves a pet or so I believe. Each one of us has a natural ability to love something and I feel by having some kind of pet to care for and love as a child, it will only be beneficial when we grow older. When a child is ill, a pet can be what keeps them going and gives them the comfort that they desire. I speak from experience. My dog was my best friend and the only one who truly understood me when I was at my worst. For any child, unconditional love is so very wonderful, but when that child is seriously ill, the pet becomes more than a pet. I would use the word companion, one who will be by their side throughout the illness. Most of us also understand that even though the child swears to care for this animal and really do in their hearts mean it, you, the parent, will be the caretaker or the overseer, making certain their pet is properly cared for. I am a big dog person, but cats, birds, guina pigs, etc can do the trick as a companion to just about anyone. Just remember that the animal is a part of the family and deserves to be treated as that.
No matter what you decide as a family, the love of an animal is truly the best feeling whether you are ill or not. Share your stories with us.
