Pets Add Life Kids’ Poetry Contest

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

American Pet Products Association (APPA) is accepting poems for its Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest. “This is a great opportunity to get and keep kids excited about pets in a fun and educational way,” says Bob Vetere, president of APPA.”

Students in grades 3rd-8th are invited to write a poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it online at Pets Add Life or mail their final poem and submission form to: Pets Add Life, 661 Sierra Rose Dr., Reno, NV 89511. Deadline for submissions is January 31, 2012 at 5:00pm EST.

In addition, teachers within the contest grade levels are welcome to incorporate this national contest into their lesson plans, and submit poems in one entry, on behalf of their classrooms.

One student from each grade level (6 total) will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a “by-line” in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students’ classrooms will each win a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.

“In past years, winning poems have featured pets from hamsters and birds to dogs that are best friends,” says Vetere. “And, it has been wonderful to receive updates from our winning teachers who have spent the scholarship dollars on classroom fieldtrips to the zoo, a classroom pet and supplies, and educational materials regarding pet and animal wellness.”