What a frenzied way to start off the shortened week after a 3 day weekend – it was Pet Day at my oldest daughter’s school today. So this morning saw us trying to unload a parrot, a 19-month-old little girl and a dog from the car, all while trying to get the other dog to stay in the car – it must’ve made for a funny scene. We had to bring our “veteran” dog with in the car since the other pets got to go out, but she was not invited into the classroom because of her nervousness around kids. So while she stayed in the car, Squawky the parrot and Beesley the dog visited a classroom full of 2nd graders.
It went surprisingly well! And we were very impressed with our normally shy daughter, who got up in front of her whole class to tell about her pets. She shared information about them, and patiently called on individuals from her class and answered their questions. Neither pet had any accidents in the classroom, and the kids seemed to really enjoy seeing and learning about the animals. Squawky got shy and wouldn’t talk for the kids of course, he never does, though he did yell out “HI!” when we entered the school – wonder if anyone heard that or what they thought it was? He enjoyed himself, didn’t bite any of my husband’s fingers off, and returned home in time for a relaxing perch in front of The Price is Right. Beesley loved being around all those kids, I think her only problem was being on a leash so she couldn’t be let loose to turn onto her back and let them all pet her at once.
Now, should we try Pet Day at the preschool with my younger daughter? I wonder how a roomful of 3-5 year olds would handle the parrot and vice-versa… I will let you know if I get brave enough to attempt that one!
I’d probably leave the parrot at home or at least caged for that group. Was she caged for T’s class?
No, he was on a leash – but no need to worry about him going after a kid. He likes them, but he’s also scared of other people. So if a kid were to reach out and sneak an unwelcome touch, Squawky would take off one of Chris’ fingers or leave him a serious wound instead of going for the kid. Chris wears a glove and is hopefully aware of the situation enough to be very careful with himself – HOPEFULLY!