CHILDREN LOVE PETS

A 1990 study found that kids who form a bond with an animal score higher on tests that measure empathy and social competence.

In 2001 a study found that children who had a pet during childhood were more empathetic, more prone to enter a helping profession, and were more oriented toward social values than those without a pet

And in 1996 Frank Ascione and Claudia Weber found that children who had increased empathy scores because of their relationship with their pets also showed greater empathy toward people.

So there is a clear benefit to raising kids with pets. Not only do the pets benefit, so do the kids and ultimately our society as a whole will benefit when we raise more caring and compassionate people.

TAKEN FROM THE TIMESUNION.COM off Google