>From: Mia and Patrick Emery <[log in to unmask]> >I have only one thing to say on this topic. >NO ANIMAL SHOULD EVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED WITH ANY CHILD. Why the blanket statement? NO animal with ANY child? Is this in the interest of keeping the animal safe or the child? If it's to keep the animal safe--- I have three chidren ages 11, 9, and 7. From the day my kids were born they have been taught to be ever so gentle with animals. They were taught at a very young age *not* to hit, pull on whiskers or ears, not to shout in the proximity of any animals, not to run through the house because it frightens the animals.... The end result? I would trust any of my children with ANY animal anytime, anywhere. My children are gentle, loving, compassionate, caring little people. They don't wake sleeping animals, they are careful not to startle them. My children understand that animals are to be treated with reverence and they are not *pets*, they are part of the family. I worry more about Milo nipping them than my children hurting the animals! Renee [Posted in FML issue 2740]