How should you talk to your kids about respecting animals?

Smart person! I know this young couple who had a giant Boxer (full grown and weighing in at over 80 lbs.) They had their first child and when that child was a baby the dog pushed the husband out of bed and wanted to lay with the baby and mother. At first the mother was very apprehensive fearing the dog would roll over on the baby, but she never did. In fact, when the baby was fussy the dog would put a big paw on the mother to wake her up! Needless to say they got a King sized bed! LOL It's really important that children have pets (when they aren't young enough to pull the puppies fur or harm them.) I was brought up with dogs mainly, but cats are very popular with little girls and can bond very closely with the child. The children should learn how to handle a pup into adulthood and also have the responsibility of feeding the pup (or full grown dog) as well as being sure it has fresh water at least twice a day in hot weather (water evaporates quickly.) Parents play a big role in the way children react to animals. If you have a dog or cat in your household and are loving and kind to the pet then the children will pick up on your vibes. Cats and dogs can give much joy and are comical, protecting of the family and property. If you choose to get a dog then study the breeds on the internet and get a dog that is suited for your family. When I was growing up we always had a dog. If I forgot to feed the dog, my mother would let me sit at the dinner table with nothing on my plate! When I asked where my dinner was she would answer, "Well, where is Blaze's dinner? You know the rules." It gave me a sense of responsibility and also how much a dog is devoted to a person. The best way to let your children to get to know how to have respect for animals in general is by having a dog in the house. In my own opinion I think it's great the dog is allowed to sleep either beside the bed or on the bed of the child. Dogs are extremely loyal and protective. They service our families well and deserve to be treated with the highest regard.