wow! what an ideal way to raise kids with pets (but not putting pets on a pedestal)
here in Singapore, for some reason humans put more priority over dogs.. there is even some dog adoption drive for which I wish they would do for orphaned humans instead...its probably have something to do with their Buddhist faith/background..they believe that humans may be reincarnated to animals and since dogs are the closest to humans.. then these "reincarnated" souls need more compassion.. so they can be reincarnated to a better life form in their next life (hopefully as a human again)..