This title says it all, though some may need further clarification. It's my belief that parents set necessary guidelines and structure for children's development, but through the ups and downs of life, a dog can be a special kind of reliable and supportive sibling!
A dog can be ignored all day, and still lick your face and wag its tail, just because you walked through the door. A dog will stare straight in your eyes as if in agreement with everything you are thinking, no matter what you're thinking. And it's soft, and cuddly.
Under the ideal situation, bringing a dog into the house gives kids the opportunity to learn responsibilities and to learn what its like to care for someone that's dependent on them. People with dogs learn to look for signs: of hunger, or thirst, of the need to be let out, of illness - there are no other ways to know them. Learning to observe the needs of others can be a very powerful lesson for young children.
Having a dog for a friend growing up, is like having a stress ball to squeeze as an adult. It's an outlet for fun and entertainment, a furry blanket to snuggle with when you want, a fixed set of understanding eyes when no one else seems to understand, and, a conduit for nurturing. But more than that, it is that special gift your parents gave you even though it brought inconvenience and chaos into the house! Another valuable life lesson!
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