"It won't be the same without her"

says 7yog after saying goodbye to Meeka. We have been looking after a friends Border Collie for a few weeks and despite a few minor issues involving plenty of poo, and old sneaker and one less guinea pig it has been a wonderful experience particularly for the children.I am a firm believer in the benefits of children growing up with animals but on the dog front we are a little divided in this house.Matthew didn't grow up with pets so as an adult when we talk cat or dog the thing that comes to his mind is mess and money whereas me well lets just say growing up I had more friends of the furry kind than the talking kind.Despite this impasse we still have plenty of animal action around here whether it be domestic or the wilder variety.