There are pups and dogs in shelters who could use a little TLC. Take your nieces and nephews to a local Humane Society to play with the animals.

So that you are prepared to answer tough questions, call the Humane Society in advance to ask them how to best explain to children why some families abandon their dogs, and what happens to them if no one takes them home from the shelter.

You may also want to tell the kids that as much as they want to take a puppy home, that the point of the day is just to play with the doggies. Having a dog is a responsibility, and unless the family is able to manage it, the dog may end up right back in the shelter.

Showing your nieces and nephews that kindness to animals is a good deed will enlighten them to treat all animals with kindness.