OPINION: Bring a Dog Into Your Home and Enjoy the Benefits

Kids and dogs are most often a wonderful combination. The television show, Lassie, which aired from 1954-1974 depicted the classic relationship between a child and his dog. It was a love story of sorts as seven-year-old Timmy befriends a Collie named Lassie and a deep, intimate bond is forged. No words can do it justice. Lassie became Timmy’s confidant, his best friend, his ally and his partner in crime! 

What about Rin Tin Tin and his German Shepherd puppy, Rusty? And who could forget the magical story of Peter Pan with his Saint Bernard, Nana? The list goes on to include Old Yeller the Mountain Cur, Benji the shaggy-haired mutt and Beethoven the clumsy Saint Bernard ... to name a few. 

Dogs and kids just seem to go together. Not only is the relationship a union of spirit, but it is one which has long lasting benefits for the child (not to mention the beloved dog). Being a dog owner teaches children a myriad of life lessons from responsibility to compassion to kindness to loyalty.

From their interactions with their dog, children learn to love and comfort and to turn their attention outward as opposed to their innate self-centered view of the world. 

The social skills acquired through owning a dog will serve a child well throughout his life. Among them, learning to treat a dog kindly will be reflected in the way a child treats others in all areas of his life. In addition, by virtue of owning a dog and the responsibility of walking him that comes with the territory, children will naturally become more social - as they respond to people inquiring about their pooch as well as the awakened awareness of and interested in those owned by others. Positive relationships with dogs aid in the development of trusting relationships across the board. 

Having a dog encourages children to get up off the couch and get outside! Both the dog and the child benefit from the outdoor play, whether playing a game of fetch or going for a walk.

Having a dog is a good way to teach children about the hard-learned lessons of life including reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and mourning. As pets experience these different and often difficult realities of life, children learn how to cope with the emotions that accompany them.

A dog is a quiet and steady companion for a child - one which will fill a void, capture a heart and become a best friend. As we enjoy the newness of spring and the enchantment of new life sprouting before our eyes, perhaps it is a good time to add a new furry friend to your family. Visit Debby’s Petland at the Solomon Pond Mall and try to resist the sweet puppies and older dogs looking for a family to love! Or, opt for an adoption at Buddy Dog Humane Society in Sudbury on Rt.20. Odds are, it will be a doggone great idea! 

Do you own a dog and, if so, how has he affected/changed/benefited your child?

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