Puppies Help

Puppies Help

" Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" (Canfield 120). There is no arguing that statement with anyone who owns a dog. While dogs are often called the family pet, they are better identified and better described as part of the family. The close relationship that develops between a dog and it's owners can be nothing less than family. Therefore, dogs are special to people no matter what age, but for children the opportunity to have a dog is especially important. Children often feel a special connection with dogs. Children that grow up with a dog in their family benefit both emotionally and developmentally, while receiving a special form of companionship.

Dogs provide an unconditional love and affection that can do nothing, but build self-esteem. A study was administered to school-aged, city children who were not exposed to many animals because of apartment living. It analyzed the results of a school program that allowed children to 'rent' all different types of animals and bring them home for a weekend. The results of the study showed that any animal a child is given responsibility for increases the child's confidence and self-image. (Broun, et al. 90-91) The increase in confidence also increased their success in school. Thus demonstrating that a feeling of self worth given by a dog will benefit a child through out their lives (Broun, et al. 91).

On my own wall hangs a small poster that reads, "Whoever said that you can't buy happiness forgot about little puppies" - Gene Hill. Happiness came to me in that form, a puppy, after a very difficult year in my life. I loved him the moment I saw him and I believe that for him it was the same. He has changed my life immensely. To him, I am special. His wagging tail when I come home brightens my day. When I am sad all I have to do is hug my dog, Cody. He will lick my face and instantly the sadness disappears. Cody has become my way of coping with life.

In the book Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul, one woman tells the story of her daughter's first experience with her dog, Two. "During Abigail's fussy moments, I laid her on the floor and placed her next to Two" (Canfield, et al. 160). She then tells how the baby would snuggle with the dog and quiet down. As her daughter grew, the dog was her babysitter and the two were very close. Her daughter became a nurturing child, staying by someone's side, "talking quietly and reassuringly" (Canfield, et al. 161)."I like to think that Two's willingness to remain lying next to a screaming infant somehow contributed to our daughter's sensitivity (Canfield, et al. 161)".

As a child we learn from those closest to us and our through our experiences. Caring for a dog provides a child with a special experience. First, it takes responsibility to care for an animal (They are a lot of work, I know). However, this responsibility can increase the maturity of the child. "Studies show that children who have a bond with a companion animal show more maturity than those who don't" (McLennan 147). Another study showed that by caring for a pet, girls and boys showed an increase in the development of nurturing qualities (147). Pets also engage in broadening our perspectives beyond our problems, and ourselves which is a key aspect of maturity (Leibrandt). Also, Dr. Samuel Ross wrote that when a child talks to his pet "he builds language and empathy skills". This will benefit a child in life, school and in future relationships.

Often called 'man's best friend', a dog's nature is companionship and this may be one of the most important things that they can provide for a child. The child can turn to this " friend to share tears of anger and grief" (McLennan 150). Since growing up is not easy, having a true friend in a dog can make all the difference. There is no doubt that a dog will listen and never tell and that can be the only thing that one needs.

I now know a dog was all I needed. As a child, I prayed god would send me a dog. I needed something that would love me and listen to me cry. Middle school and high school were rough; I yearned for a true friend. That is what a dog is to those who have it. I only wish that I had met my dog, my best friend when I was much younger. It is the best thing that a parent can do to for a child's 'difficult years'. "Like most parents, I've tried to provide my son with things that I didn't have growing up - things that would be important in broadening his outlook" (Leibrandt).

When I questioned a friend about her relationship with her dog, she said, " I would not be alive if it wasn't for Winston (her dog). He was there for me during all the hard times" (Bender). Now most likely she would be alive, but that is just how important her dog is to her. She can't imagine what her life would be like without Winston. As a child he was her most true companion and she cannot image what it would have been like to grow up with out him.

Almost any child can reap the benefits of a pet dog; however, for some children the benefits are more life changing. Children who have difficulties fitting in with other children are more likely benefit from a dog as a family pet. Studies show that children and teenagers show "a reduction in antisocial behavior" when given the responsibility to care for a pet (Pet Prescription). Similar results were also seen in children with ADHD (Pet Prescription).

'Pet therapy' is found in many hospitals because of the physical benefits it has shown to provide. In these cases, dogs have been proven to help sick children. This may be because they create a change in body chemistry, "increasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers" (Pet Prescription). Or it could just be the support of the animal that causes an emotional boost.

Only children