Object: a child's (live) pet.

Boys and girls, look what I have here today. This is [name's] pet. I asked permission to bring this cute [indicate what kind of animal it is, using its name if you know it] with me today for our children's message. I wonder how many of you have a pet at home. Let me see your hands. I see a lot of us have pets. Have you ever wished you could find out what was going on in your pet's mind or heart? Looking at this pet I have here, you sort of wonder, don't you, what he or she is thinking or feeling right now? You can tell some of it from the eyes and from the movements that you see. B…