Why everyone needs a dog
When it comes to dogs, I have a huge soft spot. I've realized that I can't look at the humane society's website without feeling the need to adopt a dog, I can't walk by a dog without fighting the urge to pet it, and I most certainly can't imagine my life without one.
When I worked as a preschool teacher last summer, I planned a lesson devoted to pets. I planned that we would go around the room and each student would tell me the name of their pet, what it was, and what kind of pet they would like to have. I was anticipating numerous students saying that they had a dog named Fido and that they would like another dog. However, I was surprised to hear that numerous students didn't own a dog. Or a pet for that matter.
And it was this finding that saddened me. When I was child, we never went without an animal. We owned dogs, cats, horses, fish, guinea pigs, sheep, even chickens at one point. Now that I am older and interact with children of all ages on a daily basis, I realize how happy I was that I had the ability to work with these animals. I can proudly say that I am capable of taking care of something, I'm comfortable around all animals (excluding snakes, sharks, and other terrifying creatures), and I could never imagine hurting a pet. I strongly believe that pets (of any kind) can teach your children a lot. They teach them to develop a sense of responsibility, a strong work ethic, a compassionate heart, and a gentle nature.
Cats or dogs?
I think this is kind of a funny question mainly because I like them both! However, I love dogs. They act as constant companions, are always happy to see you, can be guardians, and never fail to put a smile on your face. I like cats, I really do. They're cute, fluffy, and can be great companions. To me, there's just something about the bond between a dog and their owner.
For the past three summers, I've lived with my grandma. Three summers ago, my grandma got a puppy named Rosy that was part poodle and part farm dog (aka an unknown breed). Rosy and I became quick friends. I took her for walks, taught her to walk on a leash, helped my grandma to teach her basic obedient skills, took naps with her, cuddled with her, and even told her some of my secrets. I trusted Rosy and she trusted me.
I taught her so many things and she taught me:
She taught me that it's ok to make a few mistakes because you will always be loved in the end.
She taught me that something so simple as being outside or getting a belly rub can bring you happiness.
And it was this finding that saddened me. When I was child, we never went without an animal. We owned dogs, cats, horses, fish, guinea pigs, sheep, even chickens at one point. Now that I am older and interact with children of all ages on a daily basis, I realize how happy I was that I had the ability to work with these animals. I can proudly say that I am capable of taking care of something, I'm comfortable around all animals (excluding snakes, sharks, and other terrifying creatures), and I could never imagine hurting a pet. I strongly believe that pets (of any kind) can teach your children a lot. They teach them to develop a sense of responsibility, a strong work ethic, a compassionate heart, and a gentle nature.
Cats or dogs?
I think this is kind of a funny question mainly because I like them both! However, I love dogs. They act as constant companions, are always happy to see you, can be guardians, and never fail to put a smile on your face. I like cats, I really do. They're cute, fluffy, and can be great companions. To me, there's just something about the bond between a dog and their owner.
For the past three summers, I've lived with my grandma. Three summers ago, my grandma got a puppy named Rosy that was part poodle and part farm dog (aka an unknown breed). Rosy and I became quick friends. I took her for walks, taught her to walk on a leash, helped my grandma to teach her basic obedient skills, took naps with her, cuddled with her, and even told her some of my secrets. I trusted Rosy and she trusted me.
I taught her so many things and she taught me:
She taught me that it's ok to make a few mistakes because you will always be loved in the end.
She taught me that something so simple as being outside or getting a belly rub can bring you happiness.
She taught me that a small task, like doing your nails, can have a heightened entertainment factor when a dog is added.
And she taught me that it doesn't matter if your jobless, penniless, and living in your grandmother's house. Your dog will see you as the most important person in the world. They will always be by impressed by your lame "magic" tricks, always want to play with you, and never want to leave your side. They will love you unconditionally, protect you fearlessly, and devote their life to you. I think John Grogan said it best in his book Marley and Me.
"A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things -- a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty."
To you, my lovely Rosy.
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