Toy Animals Teach Children Proper Care of Pets

A group of plush animals designed to send a message to children about pet care has been produced by a San Francisco-based toy manufacturer and the Humane Society of the United States.

“Surveys of animal shelters around the country indicate that at least half the pets they receive are given up by their owners who can’t or won’t take care of them,” noted the society’s president, John A. Hoyt. “Often the reasons stem from lack of education about a pet’s needs and an owner’s responsibility.”

Each toy bears the society’s logo and is accompanied by a book explaining proper pet care. “We find people of all ages love these animals, but have also heeded the message the toys give: that companion animals are very important to our world and that they rely on us for their care,” said Connie Boucher, chairman of Determined Productions, manufacturer of the line.