Dogs and Children

Lassie, Benji, Rin-Tin-Tin? We all possess warm memories when we think of dogs. Perhaps as a youngster, you were one of the lucky ones in the neighborhood whose parents allowed you to choose a puppy from the store at the local shopping mall. You brought that puppy home and gave him a name like Spot, or Lucky. You brushed his coat, showed him to your friends, and even convinced your parents to let him sleep in your bedroom. Owning a puppy was a wonderful thing, until it was time to pick up his poop and take him for a walk, and that was when your puppy became your parent's dog.

Having a dog is a big responsibility, and too often children are over-eager to have one of their own. Chores are completed, pennies are saved, and beds are made; all in an effort to prove to the parents that the child is worthy and responsible. The time has come and it has been agreed that indeed the child has shown himself to be able to care for a puppy. Together the family visits the local animal shelter, a neighbor's pet who has just had a litter, a shopping mall pet store, or possibly even a breeder's home. An animal is picked out, and the child is ecstatic. Carefully carrying the young puppy to the car, and jabbering about wanting to show him off to all his friends.

Upon arriving home, the young dog cowers in a corner, trying to hide from the outstretched, grubby hands of half-a-dozen 6 year olds. In time the puppy becomes used to the noise and children, and confidently ventures around your home and yard, playing with his new owner. Time passes, and both the child and his dog begin to grow. The child loses his baby teeth and chubby cheeks as the puppy loses his soft hair, and playful yelp. It is now essential for the dog to be taken for longer walks and to be washed and brushed once a week. His small messes on the lawn have turned into big messes, and the days grow farther apart between cleanings.

The once lovable, playful and energetic puppy has now become a full grown dog, and through the eyes of the once eager child, the dog has lost his appeal. The responsibilities that the youth once swore to follow through on, have fallen on older shoulders, as parents now pick up where the child has left off. More often than not, the dog watches through the window as the boy runs outside to greet his friends.

Instead of jumping aboard every time our child's thoughts turn to something new, let us nurture their own growth, so that they may see the importance of caring for a living creature. Perhaps we ought to start small with the ever popular Chia Pet, upgrade to fish and possibly even a hermit crab. Later in life, when the responsibilities of caring for a pet can be better understood, consider a puppy for your child; who by this time is maybe a teenager or young adult. Dogs are beautiful and loving creatures that rely on us for many things. They indeed will be our best friend, but first, we must be theirs.