CATS and dogs can be more important to children than parents or teachers, a study by psychologists at Warwick University has found.
Nine out of ten children considered the bond with a pet as one of their 10 most special relationships. Close relatives and teachers were constntly outshone as a source of support by the family dog or cat.
Dr June McNicholas, one of the researchers, said: “No matter how bad a child’s day has been or how much trouble they’re in, the unconditional love of an
animal can help repair self-
esteem.”
