Today we celebrate National Kids and Pets Day, dedicated to showing the world the positive impacts that a pet can have on a child’s life. Not only do pets show children a sense of companionship, they also teach children compassion and responsibility.
In honor of National Kids and Pets Day, we are pleased to announce the winners of our 5th Annual Children’s Poetry Contest, open to 3rd-8th graders across the nation. We were thrilled to receive more than 1,600 poems this year, and see so many children express how much happiness their pets of all types bring to their lives!
Without further ado… congratulations to this year’s winners: third grader Sophie from Minneapolis, Minnesota; fourth grader Fuka from Watervliet, New York; fifth grader Ryan from Hutchinson, Kansas; sixth grader Giana from New Lenox, Illinois; seventh grader Paris from Palm Harbor, Florida; and eighth grader Alexis from Davidsville, Pennsylvania.
Third Grade Winner
Dasher, by Sophie of Minneapolis, MN
Wrapping paper
And lights on the tree.
The best Christmas present?
Dasher.
Softly purring between boxes,
Under Mom and Dad’s bed?
Dasher.
Black tail like a grandfather clock
Swinging from the back of the couch?
Dasher.
Climbing up the ladder
To my brother’s top bunk?
Dasher.
Crunching at his food bowl
Slurping while he drinks?
Dasher.
Bright white whiskers
Above golden yellow eyes?
Dasher.
My first pet
My non-human friend
Conversations with no talking?
Dasher. Definitely.
Fourth Grade Winner
Cody, By Fuku of Watervliet, NY
From the moment we got you
I totally fell in love
With a smile that melts my heart
You are cuter than a polar bear club
You have puppy-dog eyes
You have soft little ears
And giant memories
I’ll remember for years
Memories filled with tears
Happiness and more
Those memories I remember
Had never tore
From bad times to good times
You are always on my side
You never give up
You always have your pride
I love dogs
But you are my first ever
I only have one wish
To keep you forever
Fifth Grade Winner
Oreo, by Ryan of Hutchinson, KS
My goat named Oreo stands there with a grin
Her body is white from her hooves to her chin
Her ears are a creamy black and beautiful
She says she wishes she was more colorful
I think she is just fine
I love her and she is mine!
Even though she head-butts sometimes
She will always have a peaceful baaa that sounds like chimes
I hope she never crosses the line
I love her and she is mine!
That’s my goat, Oreo
Sixth Grade Winner
Cute and Cuddlie, by Giana of New Lenox, IL
There is nothing like a pet
To fill your heart with love,
Like my goldendoodle Doogie
Who was sent from up above.
He’s funny, smart and cute
He’ll run with you all day,
And when I’m feeling down
On my bed he’ll lay.
He listens when I speak
He doesn’t make a sound,
He comforts me so much
By just being around.
He teaches me to care
Be responsible and kind,
And a truer loyal friend
I think I’ll never find.
Seventh Grade Winner
A Pet is A…, by Paris of Palm Harbor, FL
A pet is not just “some animal”
A pet is a friend
A loyal, fun-loving, carefree friend
A friend who loves you.
A pet is a friend who won’t judge you,
Harm you in any way,
And a friend who will not taunt you.
A pet is a friend who may not talk
But they always listen
A friend who is quiet
But will do their best to understand.
A pet is a friend who is taken for granted
But also a friend in which we share an eternal bond
A friend who has a home in our hearts.
A pet is a friend who we love
And a pet who loves us back.
Eighth Grade Winner
Sunny, by Alexis of Davidsville,PA
He is my horse,
Palomino coat with a soft pink nose.
His whiskers tickle, When out of his nose he blows.
He is my escape
From bullies near and far
And as I claim to my father,
With him I’ll need no car.
He is my friend
When no one is around
He comforts me
With any mere sound
He is my globe.
On his back, I see the world.
I see myself, inside.
His mane flying, my curls unfurled.
He helps me see
That there is more than me
When on his back, I feel so small.
And, to be honest, he helps me be.
He runs through the wind,
A thundering force
That shines like the sun,
Because he is my horse.
Congratulations again to all our winners, and we would also like to say thank you to all those who participated in this year’s contest. We are already looking forward to next year’s contest and reading about how much children love their pets and the joys they bring to their lives, whether they be furry, winged, feathered or scaly!
