Kids + Pets = ACTIVE

A new study reveals that owning a pet dog has a significant impact on the health and well-being of children.

“Keeping children physically active is vital to their health and there is no better way to do it than running around with a pet dog,” says Nicole-Moschetti, the author of new children’s book Little Dog Rusty.

According to Deakin University researchers, young children who own dogs are less likely to be overweight or obese compared with those who do not have dogs in their families’ homes.

“A dog is a wonderful addition to your family and can go far beyond its ability to entertain and amuse,” says Jaclyn Brada, the illustrator of Little Dog Rusty.

Little Dog Rusty is an illustrated, comical tale about a young puppy who could easily win the title “the messiest dog in the world.” Unfortunately for the kids in the house, Rusty becomes the picture of innocence when Mom comes home to find the house in shambles and looks for someone to take the blame.

For parents who are trying to get their kids away from the computer or TV and out to play, having a dog is a really good strategy.

Owning a dog can help children in many ways, including:

~ Improving fitness by playing with and walking the dog
~ Learning responsibility through the care and feeding of the dog
~ Developing sensitivity by meeting the dog’s needs such as buying treats and toys
~ Overcoming loneliness and shyness, especially in a single-child household
~ Increasing organizational skills by taking care of the pet’s property and maintaining its feeding and walking schedule

Both Ms. Moschetti and Ms. Brada are graduates of the University of Colorado and both reside in the Centennial State.

Little Dog Rusty, the first in a children’s book series, is available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Borders.com, PriceGrabber.com and Ecampus.com.

(Little Dog Rusty by Nicole DelVecchio-Moschetti; ISBN: 0-615-2962-7-0;
$12.99; 32 pages; 8½” x 8 ½”; hardcover; Permanent Ink Press)