It's good for children to know pets, and for pets to know children. It's valuable on both sides, as each learns key lessons about behaving in the presence of the other. It's also enriching because of the fun and friendship that grow.

Third, it makes for delightful photographs, as you'll soon see.

Here, ginger-and-white Sid teaches young Joseph a vital early lesson: that we humans must get used to serving as rubbing posts.

Ally the kitten gets a gentle cuddle.

Another key early lesson about cats, here taught to Bradley by Neo, is that if you get down on the ground, they'll always come and visit you. But they might soon claim whatever it is that you're sitting on.

First kiss: Blake meets Walter the puppy.

First sniff: Flossie gets to know Brieona's scent.

First taste: Marzo gives Zoe the Leonberger tongue therapy.

Griffin the cat is a regular vistor to none other than the famous Room 2, whose class members often follow Furry Fridays. He's evidently an affectionate soul, if uninterested in books.

It's called photo bombing: ruining someone else's picture by diving into frame. Dougal has just photo-bombed Rose.

Ruby's lucky enough to be growing up with a big, warm, gentle dog named Bailey.

Fine, but mind the eye: Chloe investigates Maddie the Beagle.

We could have had a whole entry devoted to dog-hugs, but let's make do with just a few. I don't know the name of this little girl or her Boxer friend, but they're clearly best pals.

Here are Wilson (left photo) and Riely, with their respective best mates.

Pets are also perfect for those times when a youngster just needs some quiet companionship. Here's Raiden, who's happy not to be too distracted by Trouble and Cloud.

Layton and Ali the kitten get to know one another.

Jo shows his great buddy Copter some smart gaming moves. Copter has made a huge difference in Jo's life, as readers of this blog may remember.

Just room on that bouncer for Jimmy and his Manx friend Chippy. Meanwhile, Ziggy shares Rexie's kennel.

Melody learns patience and discretion as Peta takes a pause.

Peish is well protected with Calysta and Chaos.

All aboard the Brina express.

Hannah and her little brother Mason have always had Phoebe around, and long may it continue. The two kids are my great-niece and my great-nephew; does that make Phoebe my great-pet?

Justin eyeballs Checkers - maybe waiting for the slow blink that supposedly means "I love you" in cats' eye-talk. I'm sure it's not slow in coming.

Is there a better nap companion than a warm, soft tabby? I think not. Here are Zavier and Hudson, equally sleepy.

Emma has the companionship of a blanket, a thumb, and Sparks the cat.

Finn and Midget share a lap.

Theo keeps vigil over snoozing Jeremy.

Voodoo the cat also does babysitting duty.

Give me some of that body heat, says Bindi.

It's Theo again - trying to figure out this little thing that's taking up what looks like a perfectly serviceable cat bed.

Finally, Bella and Charlie spend a lot of time together. They smile together, get grubby together,  and even bath together. But they use separate soaps.

Thanks to all for posting your photos. Please email me your own photos, or go to the Four Legs Good Facebook page and use the Upload Photo button. While you're there, browse through the 2000 photos that readers have posted by clicking the Photos link.

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