A lesson in decision making – will you make the right one? How will you feel about your decision?
As a child, I loved reading books by this well-known author. In fact, I’ve purchased several of Dr. Seuss’ stories and have enjoyed reading them to my nieces and nephew (recently blessed with a second nephew – thank you). The stories were catchy; they stick in your head. The images were vibrant colours of blue, orange, yellow, and red.
I was excited to learn that an unpublished book was recently discovered by the family of the legendary Dr. Seuss. I was equally excited to learn that it was about pets. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
….and then I read it.
The inside flap gives us a glimpse of the lesson in the story:
Every pet looks like fun, so how in the world do you pick just one?
As I turned to the beginning of the story and read the first few pages, my heart sank. The first illustration shows two unaccompanied children looking in the window of a pet store. Their dad has given them permission to go to the pet store and pick their pet.
The children start off looking at an adult dog and an adult cat, their attention soon captured by the younger versions, a puppy, and a kitten.
I recognize this scenario – an impulse buy. Perhaps it’s the bold, capitalized font across the image reading ‘MAKE UP YOUR MIND’ that gives it away. If that didn’t, a few pages later the same messages boldly screams out from the book with the additional words:
Pick a pet fast!
Pick one out soon!
Mother and dad said
to be home by noon!
Impulse decisions like this often end with the family returning the animal. They have not done their research and are not prepared for all that is involved in caring for a pet. Pets are not novelties. In most cases, when the ‘novelty’ wears off, there are consequences. Sometimes these consequences are extreme, and it is usually the animals that suffer.
The following pages confirm exactly this message:
who knows what other good pets I might find?
I might find a new one.
a few pages later:
I picked one out fast,
and then that was that.
As a society, we have come such a long way in educating children about responsible pet ownership and caring for abandoned and neglected animals. We are trying to teach people that rescued animals, special-needs animals, and older animals all make wonderful, loving companions. Communities are advocating to stop the sale of animals in pet shops and to have the farms (Puppy Mills) where these animals are ‘manufactured,’ CLOSED DOWN FOREVER!
It is of no comfort (to me), that the publisher – Random House New York has included a lengthy afterword about Dr. Seuss and his pets, as well as their team of pet-lovers. No doubt knowing, full-well there would be disapproval regarding the publication of this book, Random House also included the following:
…committing to caring for a pet as a cherished, not captive, companion is a big decision.
Choosing where to get your pet is also very important. When Dr. Seuss wrote What Pet Should I Get? over fifty years ago, it was common for people to simply buy dogs, cats, and other animals at pet stores. Today animal advocates encourage us to adopt them from a shelter or rescue organization and warn us never to purchase our pets from places that are supplied by puppy mills. We wholeheartedly agree and completely support this recommendation.
So, Random House, WHY did you decide to share a completely different message by publishing this book? Even if all proceeds from the sale of this book were donated to rescue efforts, the message in the story negates the lesson animal-welfare advocates are trying to teach. The afterward is not the section of the book that is being read to children and may not even be read by parents.
Random House finishes the afterward by sharing with us the lesson in the book:
What Pet Should I Get? is a story about a classic childhood moment: choosing a pet. It is also a story about making decisions.
Some things are best left alone. Or dare I say ‘let sleeping dogs lie.’ For whatever reason, Dr. Seuss decided not to share this work of his with the world. The family of Dr. Seuss and Random House Publishing decided they would share this story.
I have decided I will not share this book with my nieces and nephews. Nor will I recommend it to parents for their children. In fact, I would happily suggest:
This Book is one Not to Get!
Ultimately, the decision to purchase this book and share the story and it’s lesson is yours.
Thanks for sharing this. It’s not a book that I would read to my grandson. I’m surprised. Huh.
Jeanne Melanson recently posted…New Puppy Backyard Prep
I know Landen enjoys hearing you read other stories to him Jeanne xx
I didn’t really have an issue with the book. It showed the kids having to make a decision and the pros and cons of having each type of pet. People still “get” pets at pet stores; hamsters, gerbils, birds, reptiles etc. We just don’t “buy” cats and dogs there anymore, we adopt them there instead. I can see a kid relating this story to walking into a PetSmart and deciding what pet to get; either purchasing a hamster or turtle, or ADOPTING a cat or dog there. Other than “puppy stores”, most pet stores now open their doors to rescues and shelters for cat and dog adoption events. I don’t think anyone would send a kid by themselves to a pet store to go get a pet and I think kids realize that. I took it for what it was, a cute kid’s story about weighing pros and cons and making a decision. Thanks for sharing your perspective though, you can tell it was written at a different time.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Cathy Armato recently posted…Meet My Friend, Stone Kitty
Thanks for sharing your opinion Cathy. I love that some pet stores will host ‘adoptables’ and that is certainly something worth promoting. I hope in the near future that will be the case in all pet stores. I also hope children are taught to take their time to make such decisions.
I have this book and over all enjoyed it! The only part of this book I don’t agree with is “Pick a pet fast! Pick one out soon! Mother and dad said to be home by noon!” You should never hurry and pick a pet out. It needs to be thoughtfully planned out.
It’s interesting to read other views on this book. Thanks Spencer!
You definitely bring up a valid point and overlooked undertone to the story.
Dog Guy Josh recently posted…Dogs Pulling on Leash (5 of 6): Squirrels, Skateboards and Cats (OH MY!)
Thanks Josh.
Very interesting… and I think I would agree with you!
nichole recently posted…Thankful Thursday – Welcome October
Thank you Nichole.
As I was reading this post, my thought was exactly what you pointed out, the book was written over 50 years ago. The mindset has completely changed during those years as we learn to become better pet parents. I love Dr Seuss and feel that he did not publish it for a reason.
M. K. Clinton recently posted…Sadie Hawkins Dance Party
I agree – there was a reason for the decision. On my Facebook page, Susan W. shared that Dr. Seuss published ‘One Fish Two Fish…’ instead of ‘What Pet…’
Yes, I’d heard about this. Glad you posted about it…as a lesson in history, it’s a good example how things change.
Amy Shojai, CABC recently posted…Protected: Pet Care in the New Century
Thanks, Amy. I like to think people (in general) are becoming more aware and that things (as far as the welfare of animals) will improve.
I have no doubt that Dr. Seuss meant no harm in writing the book. He may have even looked back at it and thought it sent the wrong message himself, thus not publishing the work. It seems like his family and the publishers really sold him out a lot since his death. I’m not sure he would have liked the movies made from his work either. He was very particular about what work he wanted the public to see and how he wanted it seen.
Robin recently posted…My Cats: Emotional Support & More
I didn’t even think about the movies. You’re right though Robin; what would Dr. Seuss think? I’ll be the first to admit that I have learned so much more as an adult than my parents knew when I was a child, growing up on a farm. Henry is my first dog as an adult (some twenty plus years later), and I admit, I don’t know everything. I’m learning so much. Especially as he and his sister are both Mill Rescues. ‘Know Better, Do Better.’
You make some really great points. I hadn’t thought about it like this…thank you for your post!
Kristen–well minded recently posted…healthy dog treats from brothers complete are a hit #sponsored #giveaway
Thanks Kristen!
There was a reason Dr. Seuss didn’t publish that book and I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy that it was published. Adopt, don’t shop.
Cathy Keisha recently posted…Wednesday Word—Hanging
Thanks Cathy!
We guessing dey (da estate) released it to increase value to da brand – and we appreciate dat dey included da follow up language inserted to establish a time-based statement indacting ‘old thinking.’ I think it woulda been super duper pawesome if dey would have released a double version – da first part about 1950’s/60’s and den an updated one dat still uses da same themes, including Dr. Seuss style writing, to Adopt, Don’t Shop. Shop I can, a dog for me – shop you won’t, it’s bad as can be!
I love that MattieDog! Shop I can, a dog for me – shop you won’t, it’s bad as can be!
I ran out and got this book when it first was discovered and I am so glad you brought these points up.
Carol Bryant recently posted…Tips to Get Rid of Dog Odors #Petiquette
Thanks, Carol. Initially, I tried to convince myself I was overreacting but it just didn’t sit right with me. Not so much that it was written, more the fact that it was shared much later – in a time when we ‘supposedly’ know better.
That is too bad that it sends 2 different messages.
Beth | Daily Dog Tag recently posted…Mini-Sessions In A Snap!
It really is. I so wanted it to be as wonderful as all his other work.
What a great review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Now I know I shouldn’t get this book.
Dogvills recently posted…Fun Fall Obedience Training Games for Dogs
Thank you. Being a pet parent to senior, special needs and rescued dogs makes me a bit sensitive.
I have always enjoyed Dr. Seuss books though I had not read this one yet. Definitely want to read it but it doesn’t sound like it is sending the best message.
Marie recently posted…Hurricanes and Other Storms – Are Your Pets Prepared?
Yes. Sadly, it is one of those ‘keep to yourself’ works.
I haven’t read the book yet and I’ve grown up on Dr. Seuss books. When he wrote this, it was common for people to get their pets from a pet store. I remember walking through them myself when I was a child. I think it’s important for parents to share everything with children and talk through the book together. Children must learn to make decisions based on the best information they have available. Makes you wonder why he chose not to publish it.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Sunday Selfie
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts on this book. I could not agree more as far as parents interacting with children. It strengthens the bond and teaches children to participate in general discussion.