Dogs and Kids

by The K9 Guy, 06-21-17

I've always believed that having dogs in a home makes everything better. For children, having a dog can offer health benefits (activity, lower asthma risks, etc.), but it can also be a tremendous teaching opportunity. When children learn to interact with (and care for) a dog, they're learning important life skills. Dogs can also teach lessons regarding unconditional love in ways human beings cannot. And because dogs live shorter life spans, their likely passing as a child matures helps them understand and cope with a difficult reality of this world.

To that last lesson, I have always been fortunate to be with every dog we have owned at their last moments. At 13, my first dog named Whiskers (in the home before I was born) had reached the end of a good life. When it came time to take that last trip to the Vet, I stayed with him to the end - something my mother wasn't even able to do. The same has been true for all of our dogs since childhood. I have always felt it's the least I could do for them after a lifetime of love and loyalty. While watching them leave this world was often crushing, I never wanted them to be alone.

The video below offers a recent story about one dog and 2 families. Family 1 owned the dog when it got hit by a car. The Vet advised the dog's injuries would require amputation of a front leg. This family wanted the dog be put down because they felt the sight of a 3 legged dog would be too traumatic for their children.. The dog did receive necessary care, including surgery to remove its damaged leg. As the story circulated on social media, Family 2 had a boy that wanted to adopt the dog - and so they did. The dog is now enjoying a great life in its new home, despite it's terrible injury.

Whether this story is true entirely, or not at all - it still brings up an important consideration. Life with dogs isn't always perfect or easy. In reality, life isn't always perfect or easy. Things are messy, sad, happy and scary - as they say "it's a little bit of everything". For children, dogs can help teach so many life lessons. But only if parents allow AND guide children through those lessons.

I hope that every child will one day grow up and contribute productively to society. Perhaps that begins with learning to care about something more than themselves. Perhaps that begins with pet stewardship. Wouldn't it be interesting to see where the children of these disparate families are in 20 years?