|
|
National Children's Pet Poetry Contest
Winners Announced for Second Annual APPA National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest!
American Pet Products Association (APPA) President Bob Vetere announced at the Global Pet Expo 2010, the six winning poems for the Association’s 2nd Annual National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest. This year, poetry submissions were received from students in every state in the United States.
Through APPA’s Pets Add Life campaign, third, fourth and fifth grade students from across the country were invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it on-line at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final submission.
Two students from each grade level (6 total) nationwide have been selected to 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 receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.
Poems were judged on creativity, clarity, voice, and the child’s ability to reinforce the message of the joys and benefits of pet ownership. The panel of judges consisted of third, fourth and fifth grade teachers, elementary school administration, and APPA.
Here are the six winning poems by grade level:
Third Grade Winners
 Untitled by Taylor from Fort Pierce, FL
I have a lot of pets
Nine in all.
Some of them short.
Some of them tall.
My guinea pigs squeak.
My bird has a beak.
My dogs like to walk.
Boy, I wish they all could talk.
Some of my pets are goofy.
Some of my pets are doofy.
Some of my pets are poofy.
Some of my pets are even a little aloof-y.
My guinea pigs chatter.
My bird’s getting fatter.
My dogs learned to climb a ladder.
But, our love for each other is all that matters.
 Pet Poem by Kate from West Chester, PA
My pet changed my life,
It feels very great.
When I feel generous,
She eats off my plate.
My pet is a dog,
She is very sweet.
When it comes to cute,
She is the one no one can beat.
Her name is Lexi,
I love her a lot.
She is about the size,
Of a flower pot.
My pet is a favorite
Of everyone around.
When she falls asleep,
She makes a disturbing sound.
It starts with a sigh,
Then goes to a snort.
It sounds like a plane,
Landing at the airport.
She is very aware,
Of things around her
And did I mention her odd colored fur?
Fourth Grade Winners
 The Lesson of Pets by Mirabelle, Atlanta, GA
The lesson of pets is very clear.
I will tell you in your ear.
Of any kind you get,
Nurture it and love your pet.
You can learn from your pet
Any time, any day,
Any place, any way.
You teach your pet
And your pet teaches you.
It’s ever so right
And ever so true.
Be nice to your pet and
He’ll be your friend,
And now this poem has come to
THE END!
 Never Sleep Hamsters! By Jenna from New York, NY
In my bed
Rolling around
Hearing
SCREECH
SCREECH!
My never sleep
hamsters,
Are never sleep
hamsters.
Mine are the ones
that run as
fast as runaway hamsters.
My never sleep
hamsters
never sleep
all they would
do is
peek, peek, peek
outside their door.
Those never sleep hamsters
Are so energetic.
And those never sleep
Hamsters
Never, never slept.
P.S.
Dear reader,
Please never read this to your hamsters.
Fifth Grade Winners
 My Dog, Bear by Spring from Lincoln, DE
When I think of you,
My heart shines bright,
Just like a
Baby bird’s first flight.
First thing in the morning
Your nose I see,
An inch from my nose
Tickles me.
When you know I’m leaving,
Your head hangs low.
It breaks my heart,
‘Cause I love you so.
And even though I’m angry,
When you chew my shoe,
Your sorrowful eyes
Make me forgive you.
When my sister died,
You comforted me.
You miss her too-
It’s plain to see.
When I’m lonely,
Or I need a friend,
You’re always there,
Your love to lend.
I love you Bear,
My adorable dog.
You’ve helped me
Through my own fog.
No other dog
Compares to you.
Taking care of me,
You’ll always do.
 Honey by Pierce from Sewell, New Jersey
Her root beer eyes are always there,
When I am sad and in despair.
With soft and silky golden fur,
My loving heart belongs to her.
Chasing toys and jumping around,
With Honey I have never frowned.
Chew toys, balls, and dog treats galore,
They would be all over the floor.
In the garden wild and free,
Boy and puppy is what you see.
Playing in tall grass and roses,
Stopping just to snuggle noses.
With kind and loving gentle paw,
And little teeth that never gnaw,
Wet loving licks that do not end,
Honey is this small boy’s best friend.
|
