A little girl called lucy is about to meet her best friend – and discover some important lessons about owning a pet along the way.
Ipswich City Council’s education officer Nicole Grant realised a children’s book would be a great resource for council to teach children about the responsibilities of owning a pet.
So she pulled out her pen and paired up with illustrator Pinar Cekic to inspire a book which promotes a simple message: “That a pet is your best friend forever.”
Best Friends Forever will launch on April 5.
“I was reading a book to my daughter one night about dogs. The book was great, teaching you all of the fun things you can do for your dog however at one point it said to feed your dog pizza.
“Although amusing, it got me thinking that we need a book that sends the right messages to children about owning a dog.
“Books are such an easy way to educate the younger generation as it’s repetitive messaging but fun!
“We have a program at Council where officers talk to kindergarten and primary students about responsible pet ownership (AVA PetPEP), and a book that captured those messages would be a great resource to leave with the class to reinforce our key messages.
“Once the book was printed the big test was reading it to my daughter. After I read it I asked ‘so what do you think?’ She replied ‘I love it mummy, can we read it every night?’ I felt a huge sense of relief.”
Be your dog’s best friend
Give a dog a loving home by adopting. Your perfect pooch could be waiting for you at RSPCA West Ipswich!
Microchip your pet. It ensures you can be reunited quickly if they get lost.
Keep your dog on a leash in public. Ipswich has a number of off-leash areas where dogs can exercise safely.
Clean up after your dog to keep our city clean – no one likes stepping in dog poo!
Register your dog with council. All dogs over the age of 12 weeks must be registered and issued a registration tag.
And of course look after your dog so it eats healty food and has toys to keep it busy.
Best Friends Forever is tied in with council’s Leash, Tag and Carry Bag campaign and will be used in the AVA PetPep Program.
Residents who register for this special event will receive a free copy of the book.
This is a terrific initiative by council in working together to enhance our community.
To register for the launch phone the library on 3810 6666 or see library.ipswich.qld.gov.au/events
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