A world without animals is simply unimaginable. Since creation, they have occupied a vital space not only in our ecosystem but also in the process of civilisation. As inseparable companions of mankind, they have and are still involved in fields such as agriculture, transportation, protection, military, food and milk production as well as entertainment to mention but a few.

Unfortunately, modern society is gradually losing touch with the animal world due to space limitations, lack of time and development of rather more technological facilities be it for leisure or food. Rare are those families who can pride themselves of rearing animals at their place or even keep pets at home.

Yet, we have a lot to benefit from the proximity with animals. They can contribute a lot to child development and education. As far as the 6th century, Greek Aesop wrote fables using animals as main characters to teach values and wisdom.

In the same way Brahmin Vishnu Sharman inculcated invaluable lessons of life to effectively change two turbulent princes upon the then Indian King?s request .His pertinent compilation of fables are known as Panchatantra.

French writer Jean de La Fontaine also made animals interact in his famous fables yet destined at drawing the best out of humanity.

It is regrettable that these writings are very rarely used in schools today. Why change a game that has won millions worldwide in all times!

Learning to care for a pet teaches children values such as patience, responsibility, and respect for life. On the other hand, negative attitudes such as torture towards animals might foreshadow anti-social violent tendencies that need to be taken seriously.

Children who keep pets also tend to have more self-esteem, which facilitates their social integration. That is why they are used in play therapy.

Animals help children overcome their fears, reduce their defences, open up, share, and relate more readily to the therapist. They help children feel accepted. They show affection, interest, and attention children need. The animals often seem delighted to greet and be with the children.

They provide an effective way for children to learn about themselves and their relationships ? to experience attachment and connection to another {http://www.play therapy.com/pets_study.html} Pets can be useful in helping hyperactive children while autistics can benefit a lot from swimming with dolphins. Observing the living fauna of an aquarium is a soothing activity, which may help disconnect from stressful day.

It?s a pity that pets are sometimes ill-treated in Mauritius. The number of stray dogs are becoming a safety issue while the frequent sight of their lifeless bodies mutilated in road accidents might end up desensitizing our wards about violent deaths.

Keeping animals might also encourage reading with children.They must of course be exposed to informative materials about their pets. Fortunately enough, a large array of printed as well as web-based materials are now available.

In those times where self-control is more than ever an undisputable value in all realms of life including sexual education,would it not be wise to point out like Robert Benchley: ?A boy can learn a lot from a dog: obedience, loyalty and the importance of turning around three times before lying down.?

<B>Alain JEANNOT</B>