Hello, my name is Abigail, and I’m almost 7 years old. I live with my Mama, Papa, and this other dog they brought home for some reason. Marley is about my age, but he has only lived with us since November. I guess you could say I’m still getting used to him. He’s easier to get along with than my sister Whitney was. I thought she was a pain, but Mama and Papa miss her a lot. I stay busy supervising Mama and Papa around the house. I like to know what’s going on — and I need to make sure they don’t mess up my stuff. My great hearing helps me keep track of everything. I can even hear the humans peeling a banana in the other room! That’s my favorite snack, so it pays to stay alert. Marley, however, is a big lazy lump! He doesn’t do much of anything. The only activity he gets is pacing around, waiting for Mama to come home. I don’t mind as long as he stays out of my way. But I have to put Marley in his place when he gets anywhere near me, my bed, or the dog toys! He doesn’t seem to understand yet that everything belongs to me. Hopefully, he’ll get it soon. Other dogs aren’t for me, but I love people. No matter where I am, there are always tons of humans there just to see me. I try to make it worth their time by giving all of them a chance to pet me. I especially love Dr. Ball at the veterinary office. She fixed my teeth last year. So, now I let her clip my nails without even complaining. I hope she appreciates it! Queen of the Castle
Ready to Succeed
3 IMPORTANT LIFE SKILLS TO TEACH YOUR TEEN
Leaving the nest can be tough for young adults. There are so many things to remember, like making sure they have all the right supplies and remembering to keep important paperwork. So, before your child heads off to college, help them strengthen these three skills. How to Ask for Help Being capable starts with understanding what you need and asking for it. By having your child order their own food at a restaurant, make medical and dental appointments for themselves, and check out at the supermarket alone, you’ll be helping your child develop independence while encouraging them to take the lead. How to Seamlessly Get From Point A to Point B When your teen leaves the house, they’ll be traveling on their own on a bus, on a plane, by car, and by foot, so they’ll need to understand how to navigate airports, subway stations, bus hubs, and roads. Ask your child to give you directions when describing how to get to the mall or have them even drive you there if they are licensed. This will reduce stress during solo travels, and they’re less likely to feel overwhelmed if plans unexpectedly change. How to Handle Emergencies When children are fairly young, they learn how to call 911 in the event of life- threatening and serious emergencies. But other emergencies tend to pop up in life that don’t necessarily warrant a call to the police. Show your child how to put on a spare tire, turn off utilities, patch a hole in clothing, and other basic but necessary skills so they don’t panic when something goes wrong in their dorm room or on the road.
One of my favorite things is climbing in my wagon and letting Mama or Papa pull me around. It’s so much fun! I also love to play with my stuffed dog, splash around in the kiddie pool, go camping, and play like I’m charging at people. I’m a bit of a daddy’s girl, and I love lying on Papa’s lap and letting him scratch my chest. Don’t feel bad for Mom — Marley is a mama’s boy, so she gets plenty of (inferior) cuddles. Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats Combine taste with good nutrition by giving your dog these simple, healthy dog treats that will keep them coming back for more. Inspired by AllRecipes.com
As a parent, it’s your job to teach your children the right skills to set them up for success and independence so they can take care of themselves when they finally go off on their own.
WWW.KALISPELLVET.COM
2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator