Most animal lovers will say they have an instant connection with pets and other animals. But there's something a little different — something extra special — about the way kids connect with animals.
There are countless stories out there of how trust and loyalty develop between animals and kids. Take Brutus, a dog who brings his favorite toys to comfort his crying human brother. Or Sapphire, a formerly stray cat who instantly warmed up to her newborn sister. Or Fury, a pit bull who recently received some comfort during a thunderstorm from his kid best friend. Or Roman, a little boy who has helped save hundreds of shelter dogs who needed homes. The list goes on and on.
So why do kids love animals so much?
Experts are just starting to really explore the special relationship between kids and animals, which could have profound insights for child psychology. There's already some evidence that spending time with animals can increase a child’s self-esteem, help teach kids how to interact socially and even promote a kid’s cognitive development.
The Dodo asked three parents — who work with animals themselves — for their perspectives.
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Speaking a Different Kind of Language
Being a little kid is fun, but it can be frustrating, too — you’re still learning words, and sometimes it’s very hard to communicate (leading to tantrums and screaming).
Because animals are patient and forgiving, a new idea has popped up in recent years: Some animal shelters and farm sanctuaries have started bringing in kids who are just learning to read so they can practice reading out loud to the animals, who won’t judge them for mistakes — and the animals are happy to have the company, too.
Rescuing Each Other
It isn’t one-sided: Animals can help kids grow up to become empathetic, intelligent and kind people — but kids also help animals feel safe.
People who work in animal rescue have also noticed that many nervous animals respond particularly well to kids.
“Every new rescue that comes here is always greeted by our young daughter first,” Koby Wegge, cofounder of Sycamore Tree Ranch, an animal rescue and sanctuary in Texas, told The Dodo. “Sometimes they are too scared to come up to us but they always are curious of her … [and some animals] will come up and greet our daughter before they are comfortable with adults.”
“It’s so special to see the interaction,” Wegge added. “Some of the animals light up when our kids come outside and just want to follow them around.”
"We like to walk our property as many evenings as we can and discovered that the donkeys love to join, too," Wegge previously told The Dodo. "There’s also always our dogs that join us and a few cats, too. And sometimes even the goats like to come along!"
In one memorable picture, Wegge’s daughter Honor sits in her stroller, surrounded by a group of donkeys waiting for a chance to cuddle with their favorite kid.
"When we are on our walk, each donkey waits their turn for a hug,” Wegge said. “It is the sweetest."
Kids who grow up with animals see them as part of their family — and it’s clear the animals love them right back.
Original post here.