Medical science has already proven that people who own pets -- dogs especially -- live an average of five years longer than people who don't. That's just a fact. Pets provide friendship, loyalty, companionship, a sense of security, and yes, someone to talk to when no one else seems to be listening.
I also firmly believe that kids benefit from having a canine companion. Kids face so many challenges, so much noise inundating them from home and school and TV... And let's face it, we have to discipline our children sometimes. And when a child feels "all alone" in the world, that dog (or cat) can seem like the only friend they have. Someone to patiently sit there pressed against them, listening to them vent, or just providing a furry shoulder to cry on.
They're also (seemingly) tireless playmates, best buddies, confidants, and partners in conspiracies and practical jokes. Dogs are magnificent friends. There's another thing, too. Giving a child a dog can teach responsibility; something the child can learn and carry with them throughout their adult life in dealing with their own family and their own children.
Teaching your son and daughter how important the care of a dog is can be daunting. It would help if there was a guide, a roadmap, a check-list. There is!
On a wonderful web site by Janet Wall called Love Your Dog I found a splendid I Love My Dog CONTRACT for you to use to teach your children the necessary requirements for owning and caring for a dog. It's the perfect thing to present to your young one when proposing to them (and of course they'll be excited about it) that you will allow them to have a dog. Together, you can go through the list, discuss it with them, explain to them what each rule (as it were) requires on their part. It will give them the the proper knowledge they need in making the commitment to a loving animal's well-being.
Check it out!