I am a young mother with a 4 year-old son and an old dog. My son used to get along with the dog well, but since half a year ago, the dog started to be sick frequently. I have to put a lot of time to take care of it and my son becomes very jealous. For example, yesterday I took my son and the dog to go for a walk, the dog became tired so I carried it. My son became angry and sat on the floor screaming, forced me to put down the dog. The worst thing is that he even told his playgroup teacher that I loved the dog more than him.
I am very stressed because I love my son very much, though I do love the dog too. I think I am fair mum so I am unhappy that he keeps telling people I don't love him. What can I do? how can I teach him to be kind to animals? If I continuous to take care of the dog, will affect the mental growth of my son as he thinks he had a bad childhood?