My sister, who is learning how to become a high school teacher, has the most amazing bulldog. Her family loves it so much, and he’s basically part of the family. How important is this aspect of the family life? Human beings are naturally emotional. They laugh, cry, cheer, love, hate and fear. Most of these emotions are something that can’t easily be controlled. If someone says something funny, a natural response is usually to laugh loudly. If a child takes his sister’s toy and runs away with it, her response will most likely be anger and determination to get it back. But where do dog’s fall into this picture? Well, dogs are there to create happiness with or without the help of other humans. Why, because nine times out of ten, dogs are extremely excited to see their owners and want to do what they can to please them.

Situation 1: Kayden just arrived home from school and she didn’t do very well on her test today. She is feeling down and is not looking forward to breaking the news to her mother. She has about an hour before her mother will return home from work and this time would normally be filled with anxiety and stress. But with the help from her furry friend’s greeting at the door with a wagging tail, she’s already a bit relieved. Once Kyzer (her dog), gives her the standard kisses, he runs to his toy box, grabs a ball and lays it in her lap. Who can pass up such a sweet, happy face? So she tosses the ball across the room and he turns to sprint after it. Kyzer crosses the kitchen and slides into the wall that the ball has come to rest against. After regaining his composure and sinking his teeth into the toy, Kyzer proceeds to run back to Kayden and place the now slobbery ball in her lap. They repeat this process until Kyzer gets so tired, he decides to jump up next to Kayden and lay down for a nap. Before she knows it, the hour has passed, Kyzer is worn out and her mother comes through the door. With all of this excitement, how soon she’d forgotten those feelings of anxiety and stress. It’s already been an hour, now Kayden is in a more positive mood, and breaking the bad test score to her mother is a piece of cake!

Situation 2: Cathy comes home from work to her husband and three children and can’t wait to get off of her feet. She’s greeted at the door by her husband asking what’s for dinner, youngest sons chasing each other around the house and the oldest son is begging if he could stay out later tonight. All of the stress from work is gone and now the overwhelming job of wife and mother has kicked into gear. But if she only had a dog! Imagine the difference. Cathy comes home, opens the front door and makes her way to lay her purse on the table. It is completely silent throughout the house. Where is everyone? Cathy looks around and finally finds her husband and children in the backyard. Her husband is relaxing in a chair while the boys are chasing the dog around the yard. Cathy greets them, asks them what they want for dinner, then they continue about their business while she starts working on their meal. Now Cathy is relaxed and enjoying her quiet evening at home.

Though many beg to differ, having a family dog does make a positive impression on a families’ home life. Not only can they brighten your day but dogs teach children responsibilities that they wouldn’t normally have at younger ages. Every family should consider adding an extra, furry member to their household. The positive impact will be completely worth it and they will create a friend for life!