Family Talk
DOGS ADD VALUE TO A FAMILY
I have written a newspaper column about families for the past twenty five years. Lots of columns. You name it and I’ve written about it…. except….the family dog.
I could hardly believe it when I realized it this week. I love dogs. I have always had a family dog. I’ve taken care of family dogs. I’ve buried family dogs (after they died, of course). But I’ve never written a column about the value to the family of the family dog.
If you Google “family dog” you’ll get lots of advice about which breed is best. How to train the family dog. How to care for it. But almost nothing about the dog’s value. Not its monetary value. The value of what a dog brings to the family (besides a ball or a bone). But I found one such article on the least likely of all websites: cheapdogbedreviews. com. Here’s an excerpted and modified list from that site.
1. Dogs are a true friend
With a true friend, everyone becomes happy. And dogs are a true friend to humans. Dogs are always there for you when you need them. You can share anything with them without feeling judged. And dogs keep it confidential and don’t bear tales (although they do wag tails).
2. Dogs help you maintain good health
Having a dog can help you to maintain good health. It can assist with making it a habit to walk twice a day. A dog can keep away your kids from the computer screen. One study has shown a dog can reduce your anxiety by 80% and stimulate a positive chemical hormone called oxytocin. Dogs are better than medication.
3. Dogs can protect family members
You can keep your dogs with your kids. It is a safe thing to do. Moreover, they can protect your kids when you are not around. They can protect your kids from bullying or any violent actions. They can alert you to danger and guard your house at night.
4. Dogs help kids develop skills
A dog can help your kids with social skills. They are a silent listener so it will be easy for your kids to share their problems. I remember telling my childhood dog, Skipper, “Nobody understands me but you.” Your kids can receive emotional development if you have a dog in your house. Dogs can increase your kid’s self-esteem, give them an example of loyalty and develop dedication.
5. Dogs are loyal and listen to everything.
No one is more loyal than your dog. Even if the whole world is against you, your dog won’t leave your side. He will be with you and your family till the last breath. And dogs listen to everything that you say seldom arguing or disagreeing.
Sure, you can say dogs are expensive. But so is health insurance. And security alarms. And therapists. Most dogs are a bargain. The ones I’ve had in my family have always given me more than they cost. So there you have it, a prescription for your family: add value to your family by getting a dog (or two!)