LIVING WITH A PET

The ownership of pets brings a variety of benefits that the uninitiated would never believe. For every tale of shredded cushions, flattened plants and chewed slippers, there is another testimonial of intelligence, sympathy and undying devotion. Now the growing body of research into the medical and social advantages of pet ownership has confirmed what pet owners have always intuitively known: that pets are not just loving companions but actually do us good.

Researchers have established the value of pets in soothing and reassuring humans, particularly when ill, lonely or in distress. Perhaps the unquestioning love and approval pets give us is something we don't always get from our human nearest and dearest.
Our makeshift understanding of psychology leads many of us to view very close relationships with pets with suspicion. Childless couples in particular give rise to speculation, but a consultant in animal behaviour says, "There is no evidence that a pet is a direct substitute for a child." And while many adults feel foolish if caught talking to their pets, they have no need to. The experts say you cannot have a close relationship with a pet without treating it as a person and that talking to a pet is not unhealthy — simply a way of establishing rapport.
The wobbling helplessness of a young puppy or a fluffy kitten stirs protective instincts deep within us and prompts many parents to buy pets for their children in the hope of instilling a sense of responsibility and caring and acceptance of the facts of life and death. But animals don't have to be soft and cuddly to bring out the best in us. A social worker encouraged aggressive boys to handle ferrets — "If handled correctly they respond with friendship; if incorrectly they bite."
There seems to be no doubt that, emotionally and physically, our pets do us good - but there is a price to be paid. When a loved animal dies it is often a traumatic event — and then where do we turn for comfort?

QUESTIONS

1.

Pets are sometimes criticised because they...

A.    lack intelligence.
B.    need considerable care.
C.    are destructive.
D.    demand affection.

2.

The idea that animals are a substitute for children is...

A.    supported by research.
B.    encouraged by psychologists.
C.    an argument for keeping a pet.
D.    a common prejudice.

3.

Talking to animals is...

A.    silly.
B.    not beneficial.
C.    suspicious.
D.    stimulating.

4.

When choosing a pet you should remember that...

A.    a young animal is best for everyone.
B.    the animal need not be attractive.
C.    certain animals can be dangerous.
D.    a ferret makes a good pet.

5.

The writer believes that pets are valuable to children because they...

A.    return affection.
B.    need looking after.
C.    are comforting.
D.    are protective.