SOMETIMES A "GOOD STORY" ISN'T SUCH A GOOD IDEA!

In children's books it is common to see animals highlighted or included in a story. It is important to remember that even "good stories" can promote irresponsible care of our companion animals. When selecting books or videos for your students, please consider the following guidelines to determine if the book promotes humane care of our animals.

• TOO MANY CATS, TOO MANY DOGS!
  Does the book glorify the miracle of birth? While a story might mention puppies or kittens it shouldn't promote backyard breeding for profit, the "miracle" of birth as a good reason to bring more animals into an already saturated population. While it may be hard to find a book that clearly states, "Spay/Neuter, It Saves Lives!" You can certainly find books that highlight adopting animals from shelters.
  
  
• CARS, CRITTERS, AND TOXINS OH, MY!
  The infamous parent lines, we've all heard them, "Do as I say, not as I do." In truth children do what they see, regardless of what they hear. Check your books. Is the animal wearing a collar? A tag? Is the cat kept safely indoors? Does the story glorify adventures that in reality pose serious risk of injury, such a walking streets alone, scavenging or hunting for food, making unsafe friends? Consider both the visual and implied messages of your story. If you would like more information on Feral Cats in SF or dangers to outside cats, please contact us.
  
  
• THE POWER OF WORDS!
  How can such a small thing, mean so much? Take this as an example, "I tapped my neighbor on the shoulder." "I hit my neighbor on the shoulder." The first sentence brings to mind one image, and the later something quite different. Please try to choose books that use "shelter," instead of "pound," "guardian" instead of "owner," "he or she" instead of "it," "companion animal" instead of "pet," and "animal control officer" instead of "dog catcher."
  
  
• SAFETY AND CONSISTENCY!
  If you plan on using books to supplement your SF/SPCA classroom presentation. Please choose a book that is consistent with the messages presented to your class. While adults might be able to recognize extenuating circumstances, the difference between realistic fiction and fantasy, children can be easily confused. Books that show, pets eating at tables, being ridden like horses, dressed up, held in uncomfortable positions, or worse yet, children approaching strange animals alone should be avoided. Again, check that the animals are humanely treated, and that children will be able to identify the characters as role models for their behavior.