Experts: Children Healthier, Happier, Smarter When Raised With Pets~ Attendees at AZ's Annual Baby & Children's Expo will receive surplus of data to support social, emotional and psychological benefits of rearing kids with pets. Statistics gathered by event Guests and seasoned Psychotherapist confirm children who are raised with family pets are "healthier, smarter and happier". |
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March 7, 2005 - (Scottsdale, AZ) The public is invited to learn more about these topics by attending the AZ Baby & Children's Expo Saturday March 12th & Sunday March 13th 10am to 5pm both days. The event is located at the Arizona State Fairgrounds on the corner of 19th Avenue and McDowell Road 1826 W McDowell Road. SPECIAL EXPO GUESTS: For the 2nd consecutive year, Expo coordinators invite PETS 911 Auxiliary, AZ's premier pet adoption, education and animal rescue network. After an amazing turnout in 2004, the Auxiliary was invited again to present educational material, provide pet adoptions and serve as a credible venue for event attendees on important topics of animal welfare, adoption and specific issues relating to children and pets. IMPORTANT ISSUES; Both days PETS 911 Auxiliary and its members will highlight core issues tailored to event attendees. One issue in particular is the epidemic of pregnant women and pet relinquishment. Astonishing national statistics show that expectant moms sadly contribute to more than 20% of annual pet relinquishments, adding to an already epidemic shelter overpopulation. Data suggests women are succumbing to public fears of parenthood perfection and giving up pets in an effort to scale down responsibility prior to the new arrival. More and more women are giving up one family member for another and missing out on important developmental opportunities in which pets can offer children. Bari Mears, President and Founder of the PETS 911 Auxiliary cautions against giving up one family member for another, she states "with appropriate timing and sound educational materials, unnecessary relinquishment of pets can be eliminated." Mears goes on to say that "PETS 911 Auxiliary and its Members provide expectant moms with experience, knowledge, and confidence to keep valuable family pets." Mears continues, "we can help confront fears and concerns about raising kids and pets. We are women, mom's, aunts, sisters and we have families.. we know first hand the rewards of this relationship." Mears suggests that the child-animal bond has numerous benefits which are unique and special to a child. MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT; Rose Swartz, a seasoned Psychotherapist and 18+ year veteran of Ulster County Mental Health in Kingston, NY is committed to the facts. She believes children who are raised with pets have higher IQ's, healthier immune systems and are more socialized than those raised without. In more than 15 years of practice, Mrs. Swartz has reviewed clinical data which substantiates her findings that children are greatly rewarded on many social, emotional and psychological levels when raised with a pet companion. Swartz stresses, "expecting moms should welcome the many opportunities in which pets can teach children responsibility, empathy, and compassion. These are all important ingredients for an emotionally healthy and well rounded child." When it comes to the issue of moms giving up pets so they can spend more time with a new arrival, Swartz reassures new moms that "it's very healthy for the baby to share mom with pets. It builds social skills and helps them learn to share." She believes "overindulgence and isolation can be unhealthy to children." Swartz adds, "learning to share space, time and affection even with a family pet can teach a child fundamental lessons which facilitate more confidence and successful integration in school or society as they mature." EVENT FEATURES: PETS 911 Auxiliary Members taking part in this two day event include Animal Care and Control, AZ Humane Society, AAWL, Maddie's Alliance, Snip & Chip, and more. Members will bring animals for adoption and provide event-goers with critical information packets and counseling on the following subjects; 1) How best to choose, adopt and integrate a new pet into your family, 2) Age-appropriate pet responsibility for children, 3) Spaying and Neutering Benefits, 4) Proper pet care including health, training and benefits of pets and kids. Members will also have expert volunteers on hand to answer any/all tough questions pertaining to all pet related issues.
PETS 911 Auxiliary Contact: For more information about PETS911com
[www.PETS911.com] and PETS 911 Auxiliary, its mission, members and adoption
events contact Bari Mears, Auxiliary President and Founder at 602-992-4779 or
view the Member registry at
Psychotherapist, Rose Swartz: To conduct an interview with Rose Swartz,
Press Contact: Bobbi Jo Swartz |
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