The Magic of Children and Pets | Williams Lake Photographer

There is something really special about the relationship between children and their animal friends. I was originally going to say “furry friends” but my youngest just got a Pacman frog so I guess all pets don’t necessarily have fur!!

Regardless, fur or not, I believe that we are overlooking how amazing these friendships are. Most of us have a family dog or cat. According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute 58% of Canadian households report they own at least one cat or dog. That number alone tells me that we love living our lives alongside a pet; however……as adults our hectic lives can get in the way and our pets can be seen as a responsibility more than a best friend. On the other hand, our children see the family dog or cat as a little bit more.

Studies have proven that kids and pets are just plain magic! Children that grow up with pets have been linked to higher self-esteem, cognitive development and social skills. It has also been proven that a positive relationship with a pet can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others. This relationship also helps with developing non-verbal communication, compassion and empathy.

My daughter’s world revolves around her Australian Cattle dog, Smudge. These two are inseparable. They play together, watch tv together, sleep together and when I am not looking, they will eat together. If they are separated, because my daughter chooses to play with a human, Smudge will sulk in her bed after stealing all of my daughter’s possessions to have next to her. It is really quite a sad sight to see. Smudge loves the entire family but her relationship with her human is something a little bit more and you can see it. My daughter will one day be 80 years old and I know she will be telling stories to her children or grand-children of this little dog named Smudge. The little dog that stole her heart when she was a child.

I think it is important to tell these stories and document these relationships for our children and this is why I am so passionate about photographing kids with their furry (and non-furry) friends.

Corrie Lindroos Photography
Williams Lake Photographer