OPPapers.com

Puppies Help

Puppies Help

" Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" (Canfield 120). There is no arguing that statement with anyone who owns a dog. While dogs are often called the family pet, they are better identified and better described as part of the family. The close relationship that develops between a dog and it's owners can be nothing less than family. Therefore, dogs are special to people no matter what age, but for children the opportunity to have a dog is especially important. Children often feel a special connection with dogs. Children that grow up with a dog in their family benefit both emotionally and developmentally, while receiving a special form of companionship.
Dogs provide an unconditional love and affection that can do nothing, but build self-esteem. A study was administered to school-aged, city children who were not exposed to many animals because of apartment living. It analyzed the results of a school program that allowed children to ‘rent' all different types of animals and bring them home for a weekend. The results of the study showed that any animal a child is given responsibility for increases the child's confidence and self-image. (Broun, et al. 90-91) The increase in confidence also increased their success in school. Thus demonstrating that a feeling of self worth given by a dog will benefit a child through out their lives (Broun, et al. 91).
On my own wall hangs a small poster that reads, "Whoever said that you can't buy happiness forgot about little puppies" – Gene Hill. Happiness came to me in that form, a puppy, after a very difficult year in my life. I loved him the moment I saw him and I believe that for him it was the same. He has changed my life immensely. To him, I am special. His wagging tail when I come home brightens my day. When I am sad all I have to do is hug my dog, Cody. He will lick my face and instantly the sadness disappears. Cody has become my way of coping...