Adorable pets
DO you love cats, rabbits or dogs? Or all of the above?
Some people love to keep pets like cats, dogs and hamsters. There are others who prefer to keep exotic creatures like scorpions, spiders and even snakes.
I grew up in a home with many animals, including cats, dogs, fish and civet. My mother loved cats and we had many different breeds – Siamese, Persian, Ragdoll, Tabby and Calico. We even had a unique Turkish Van which was deaf and had mixed-coloured eyes. The cat was named Deafy.
Most children like to keep pets as they are companions that give unconditional love. It also teaches them about friendship, responsibility and loyalty.
Did you know that owning a pet keeps children active?
Walking a dog or throwing a ball are great ways to exercise, and getting children away from sedentary indoor activities.
Recently,
Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, My Favourite Pet. Let’s hear what they have to say.
Reanne Lee Sue Yen, nine, had a pet turtle named Petunia. Sadly, Petunia died recently. “I was very sad and cried for weeks. Petunia could dive and play hide-and-seek. Petunia was special because it was my first pet. Mummy says I can have another pet when I am older and more responsible.”
Anna Marissa Xavier, 11, loves koala bears and wishes to have one as a pet. “Koala bears are adorable. These marsupials are native to Australia. They love to eat eucalyptus leaves. It would
beadreamto rear one in my home.”
“I have a dog named Doggy. It is faithful and loves to play catch. Doggy is cute and an excellent guard dog,” writes Lee Hau Khye, 10.
Among all the animals, Ryan Liow, eight, fancies the lion. “Lions are strong. They are known as the Kings of the Jungle because of their power and strength. I hope to be as strong and powerful as a lion when I am older.”
Chloe Ong Wei Sze, 10, says: “Cats are my favourite animal. Their fur is soft and fluffy. If you have any mice at home, your pet cat will catch it.”
“Rabbits are cute. They have short tails, long whiskers and floppy ears. They love to eat carrots, seeds and roots. They are such gentle creatures,” says nine-yearold Ainin Qistina.
Loh Yee Lin, 10, writes: “Owls are a farmer’s best friend because these nocturnal animals can catch mice. Did you know they can rotate their head up to 270 degrees?”
Lara Alisha Colin, 12, adores her pet cat, Jerry. “Jerry has a
thick coat of black fur and looks majestic. She can be playful. My sister and I love her. Each day, I feed and change the water for the cat. Did you know Hug Your Cat Day is on May 3?”
ITEM: National Buy A Musical Instrument Day is celebrated on May 22.
If you had a chance to learn to play a musical instrument, what would it be?
Would you choose a traditional percussion instrument like gamelan, sape or tabla?
Or would you prefer instruments like drums, ukelele or bass guitar?
Tell us what you like best about this instrument. Give us a fun fact, or two, about your favourite instrument.
All letters must include your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below), gender, e-mail, phone number and address. Please write your name behind the drawing and the topic, My Dream Instrument, on the envelope. All letters must reach us by May 11. Send your letters to: Starchild, c/o Star2
Star Media Group Bhd Menara Star, 15, Jalan 16/11 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
You can also e-mail your contributions to star2@thestar. com.my. Please put “STARCHILD” in the subject line of your e-mail. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.