Article: Family life: Paws for thought before you get a pet; First it was a hamster. Then it was a cat. Now, the children want a dog. 'We'll look after it, we'll walk it, we'll clean up after it,' they say. But before you give in, make sure you know what you're getting into, says Caroline Foulkes.(Features)

Byline: Caroline Foulkes

Every time you go past a pet shop, your kids make you stop and look at whatever's in the window. Every time they see a cat in the street or a dog in the park, they make a fuss of it. And every time they switch on the TV, they want to watch Animal Hospital, Pet Rescue or Vets in Practice. And so, finally, you give in - even if it's only to stop them getting square eyes from staring at Rolf Harris as he weeps over yet another kitten/puppy/parrot.

Then the hard work really starts. How do you decide what pet you get?

Dr June ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!