November 2007

FOR KIDS' SAKE
The Case For Dog Bite Prevention Classes In Our Schools
Kris Crawford

Long before Timmy and Lassie came along, our society linked kids with dogs. Later, as adults, we fondly recall the simpler times, of unconditional love and childhood friendships. The one special friendship that many can look back on fondly and with reverence is the bond we shared with the family dog.  We remember those days spent throwing an old tennis ball and our dog running over and over again to fetch it.  The days when something sad made us run into our rooms where we could share our deepest feelings with the one who always listened and would lick our tears from our faces and make the day seem brighter.  The family dog has always shared a special place in many of our lives. said Kris Crawford of For Pits Sake

So its shocking to note that, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, half of all children 12-years-old and younger have been bitten by a dog, resulting in injuries of varying severity. In fact, dog bites are the second most frequent cause of emergency room visits for children. Even worse, 79% of fatal dog attacks involve children.  

All breeds can cause serious injury.  This includes small dogs and popular "family" breeds.  That's because even the friendliest of dogs can become uncomfortable or startled by the quick movements and high noise levels of children. Likewise, children tend to get excited around dogs, approaching quickly, talking loudly, sometimes even grabbing them.  Any one of these actions can easily result in a bite.  So what can we do?

In a word: Education.  Research shows that just ONE hour of dog safety training can reduce attacks by 80%!  We teach children to look both ways before crossing the street, and not to accept rides or candy from strangers, along with a variety of other precautions to avoid potentially dangerous situations.  We need to teach children how to behave with dogs in exactly the same way as we teach safety around any other potential risk or hazard.

The For Kids Sake Safety Around Dogs Project was founded to help protect children from injuries that, in most cases, can be prevented.  The project's goal is to get dog bite prevention classes included in pre-school and elementary school curriculum. Based on the latest child safety strategies and research, the For Kids Sake Safety Around Dogs Project materials make learning fun by using the Safety Squadron characters, Deputy Dakota, Trooper Tahoe and Sgt. Cheyenne, all of whom are based on real-life search and rescue dogs.

Additionally, the For Kids Sake Project offers support and resources to children who are victims of a serious dog bite or attack.  All proceeds from the sale of For Kids Sake Safety Around Dogs Project materials go to the For Kids Sake Medical Fund, which has been established to assist low income families with medical bills for children who have been seriously injured by a dog. According to Kris Crawford and her hero pit bulls.

The relationship a child has with a dog can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in their lifetime.  Children can learn about empathy, loyalty, forgiveness, and the importance of responsibility from being around dogs.   A dog can be a friend, a confidant, and a buffer against loneliness and provide a child with building blocks that will benefit him or her forever.  Why let a lack of education on how to deal with dogs undermine potentially special relationships?  Together we can prevent dog bites and give our nation's children a lifetime of lessons and fond memories.

Kris Crawford, Kristine Crawford, For Pits Sake

 

REGARDLESS OF THE BREED, NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED WITH A DOG!!