Question 1.

What does the movie show? Which dog seems happy, and which one is sad? What feelings do animals have?

Dogs chained in the backyard, living in isolation, and ignored become very unhappy. Dogs are sociable animals, and they suffer when left alone for extended periods of time. They can develop bad behaviors, such as excessive barking, when they don’t get the care and companionship that they need. In the movie, the dog in the backyard needs the companionship and attention of the girl who is feeding him, but she is too busy talking on the phone to think of playing with him. On the other hand, the dog living inside the family home has companionship—someone to play with—and he receives lots of attention. Dogs also need to get exercise; this helps keep them happy and healthy.

Animals seem to share many feelings that people have: happiness, sadness, fear, gratitude, boredom. Scientists are doing research about the emotions and mental capabilities of animals. We are learning as well that the company of animals is good for people. In the movie, the little boy is happy when playing with his dog.

Question 2.

Describe a day in the life of a happy dog: if you were a dog, how would you want your human family to treat you?

A happy dog would have attention from his human family and/or another dog for a playmate. A happy dog would get exercise and get food and water regularly. He would receive training in good behavior so that he will be likeable to his human family—for example, he would learn not to jump on people.

A happy dog would have shelter. He would have a warm and safe place to spend the night. He would not have to be lonely.

Question 3.

What are the most common kinds of pets? Where do pets usually live, and who takes care of them?

Possible answers include cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, turtles, parakeets, even horses. Pets live with their human families. Sometimes they live in cages (rabbits) or modules (hamsters). Rabbits need exercise and suffer from loneliness when they are kept inside a cage all the time. Their cages should be for safekeeping and nighttime sleep. Most likely, parents or older siblings take care of pets, and young children learn pet care from them. The correct kind of care is important for children to learn.

Question 4.

Can any kind of animal be a pet? What is a domesticated animal?

Domesticated animals depend on people for their care. Farm animals and pets, such as dogs, cats, and horses, are examples of animals who have been domesticated. Pets are domesticated animals. Sometimes wild animals act tame, but they are not domesticated animals and may become wild again. Increasingly, there are laws against keeping wild animals as pets.

Question 5.

If you have a pet, tell us how you know whether your pet is happy or sad. How does your pet let you know when he or she needs something from you?

In the movie, the sad dog who is chained in the backyard keeps his ears and head down. This is a sign that he is not happy. A happy dog wags his tail and looks alert, and keeps his ears up.

A happy cat will purr. She will lean on her caregiver’s leg or roll on her back to tell you she is happy. An unhappy cat may put her ears back and growl or she may hide under the bed for long periods. She may do this if she doesn’t feel well.

If an animal doesn’t feel well, the adults in the family need to take the animal to a veterinarian, just as they would take children to a doctor. If your students live with a pet, the adults in their families must learn how to care properly for that pet and teach their children how to do so as well. For example, rabbits are often mistreated because people don’t realize that they are sociable and, like dogs, suffer when they are isolated and kept alone.

Since dogs can have aggressive behavior, it is important for children to learn how to meet a new dog. They must ALWAYS ask permission of the dog’s human companion before petting or running up to the dog. Many children associate dogs with growling or barking guard dogs.

Note: After the discussion of this question might be a good time to use the worksheet “May I Meet the Dog?” to review with your students the best way to meet a new dog. See Activity 1 for suggestions.

Question 6.

Describe what you and your family do to take care of your pet.

Encourage your students to talk about their family pets, where the pets live, and how their families take care of the pets.

Question 7.

What does a dog or a cat need from its human family in order to be healthy and happy? What do you need in order to be happy? Is it the same or different?

Responses can include: food and water, shelter from bad weather, a safe and nice place to eat and sleep, and attention and physical care. Children will recognize these conditions as making for a happy home for themselves, as well.

Question 8.

Why would an owner keep a dog chained up in the yard? Does anyone in the class know of a dog who live outdoors on a chain? Is it a short or long chain? Describe a day in the life of this dog. What could the owner do to make the dog happier?

Possible responses: the dog is a guard dog; the dog is not loved by the family; the dog makes a mess in the house; the owner is not aware of the dog’s need for inclusion with the human family. Isolation in the backyard is one of the prime causes of suffering of dogs. Humane societies are increasingly educating the public about this kind of cruelty to dogs. If a dog lives in the backyard, he should still receive attention: a walk with his owner, playtime with his family, a companion dog, and behavior training, which dogs find very interesting. Guard dogs should be cared for and exercised by adults in the family.

Question 9.

What kinds of pets live indoors all the time? Why is it best to keep a pet indoors?

Many more people are keeping pets indoors. Animals are safer inside the house—from predatory wildlife or people, or from an accidental escape from the yard. Animals kept indoors are safe from accidents caused by cars and other vehicles. More and more, people are considering pets as members of the family. Types of pets living indoors include rabbits, cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, fish, snakes, lizards (geckos, iguanas, and similar reptiles), and birds (parrots, parakeets, cockatiels, canaries, finches).

Question 10.

Why do we enjoy having pets?

Animals provide companionship. They do not argue with us or provoke unpleasant interactions. They are loving beings and often seem to show appreciation for their care. Many children find safety and happiness in friendship with pets.

Ask the students how it feels to have their pet give them a kiss, as we refer to a nice lick of the tongue from a dog or a cat, or a friendly nibble.

Question 11.

Why do we give our pets names? What are the names of your pets?

When people recognize animals as individuals, companions, and friends, it becomes natural to give them a name. It is really fun to choose a name for a new animal friend!

Question 12.

If some of your students cannot have pets, what could they do instead to enjoy the company of animals?

They can enjoy their friends’ pets. They can go to the humane society and observe the dogs, cats, and rabbits. They can help give donations of food to the animals in their local shelter. They can have a stuffed animal and give that animal a name and play at caring for him.