A lovely article, to raise awareness towards pets, and eradicate some of the myths surrounding children and pets.
I found the results of the tests a bit shaky though, they only way they could have proved that the children had better immunity, were to have blood tests done. A survey is not scientific results, and would not be excepted by the scientific community. The tests have to be done in a wider area as well, not only limited to a certain district.
Both my children were surrounded by pets since they were babies, and they get sick just as much as pet less children do. The emotional and developmental effects of having a pet should however not be forgotten. Children that grow up with pets, learn to care for things other than themselves, they also find friendship and camaraderie in their pets, and the quickly learn not to handle animals too hard and to respect them.Pets tend to make people happy, and happy people are healthier. Pets love unconditionally, the do not judge and can be comic relief, all these contribute to their owners being less stressed and thus also healthier.
Some of my friends grew up without any pets, and one of the things they say the most is: "I wish I had a pet as a child"
