The gerbil who "saved" the boy
It's true that many of today's children are caught up in electronic games and television, but luckily there are other options adults can offer their kids that will provide them with both enjoyment and education. Let's face it, aren't you tired of seeing your child spend so much time on the computer or planted in front of the television set? Relax, there are other ways to keep your child entertained, while also teaching him a thing or two about caring and responsibility. One way to do this is to adopt a pet, such as a cuddly gerbil, to make your child's day. These cute pets are considered easy to take care of and offer hours of enjoyment, according to many gerbil Pet Parents and veterinarians alike.
Good-bye toys
Several years ago, a Southern California couple was having trouble getting their son, Kevin, to get involved in other activities besides watching cartoons or immersing himself in his Game Boy. A therapist suggested adopting a small pet for Kevin, such as a gerbil, and that this would teach him responsibility...and to care for something other than an electronic toy. Kevin's parents were a bit apprehensive at first, but after careful consideration regarding their own level of commitment to a pet, decided to give it a go. So off they headed--unbeknownst to Kevin--to look for the perfect pet to adopt.
On a mission
As soon as the family pulled up to the pet adoption facility, Kevin immediately jumped up and down, asking mom and dad if he could go in. They said, "sure, let's all go in."
He ran inside and began looking around at the birds, fish, and other
adoptable pets. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the gerbils in glass tanks scurrying around on their metal wheels. He laughed as a litter of gerbils raced through mazes and nibbled at their bowl of food. One even stood on its hind legs looking straight out at the young boy with a quizzical look on its face. Kevin decided he wanted to hold this gerbils and asked his parents if it would be OK. They smiled at each other and said that would be fine.
Friends at first sight
The little boy was carefully handed a small, warm gerbil, which looked up at him with great admiration. Kevin was instantly taken by the gerbil and decided he wasn't going home with it. His parents agreed, and after picking up all the necessary items, such as water bottles, food bowls, a cage, treats and bedding for their newly adopted pet, and placing their new furry family member in a
cardboard box for the ride home, off they went. Although Kevin was eager to play with his new little buddy, he minded what he was told and kept the box--which was ventilated--tightly closed until they arrived home.
Home-sweet-home
Once he was home, Kevin set up his new friend's dwelling, complete with water bottle, food bowl and play-toys, in his room on top of his desk. It was in a perfect location, away from the window, which could bring a draft, and far from any radiators, which could bring in too much heat. The desk also faced his bed, which meant he could keep an eye on the gerbil at all times. He was enthralled by the gerbil and when his dad went to look in on him in his room, he saw Kevin siting on his bed holding the little fury wonder and talking to "Simon," as he had named him. Not all gerbils allow their Pet Parents to hold them so quickly, but Simon and Kevin had formed a nice bond right from the get-go. Oftentimes, it takes a few days or even weeks to get your gerbil used to being handled, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen right away.
Immediate attention
Since Kevin adopted Simon, he seemed to forget all about his TV and his Game Boy. Now, whenever Kevin comes home from school, he immediately races to his bedroom to care for and play with Simon. He fully realizes that this little ball of fur depends on him for food, shelter, and most of all, love. And the best part of all--Kevin is thrilled to death to give his little guy all of that! Talk about a responsible child!
A parents' lesson
Many parents have discovered that their children grow up with a greater sense of self-worth and a better view of responsibility when allowed to care for a pet, such as a gerbil. However, be sure that you, as a parent, are ready to take the wheel if this interest falls by the wayside as well!
The end result
Becoming a Pet Parent is an exciting event in anybody's life, young or old, big or small. A pet brings warmth and delight into any home, and everyone should be able to experience this in their lifetime. For Kevin and his family, they were all pleasantly surprised at how much joy such a little guy could bring!
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