• Children growing up in a house with a dog develop better social skills and maturity. 
• They learn to interact socially by interacting with the dogs.
• Caring for a pet, especially a dog or a cat, can foster greater levels of empathy and prosocial behaviors in children.
• These skills in turn are related to higher levels of well-being later in life.  
• Pets provide an opportunity for children to learn, practice, and become motivated to nurture another living being.  
• Self-esteem can also be boosted by the presence of a dog.  
• In regard to a child being bullied in school, having a best friend at home such as a dog can ease feelings of isolation or insecurity while increasing feelings of acceptance and social support.
• They can also improve emotional and physical health.
• Studies show that kids who grow up in a home with a dog have fewer allergies, especially respiratory allergies.  This may be a result of the “Hygiene Hypothesis,” which holds that early-life exposure to allergens and microorganisms may strengthen the immune system.
• When a dog brings some of the outdoor inside with them, children are exposed to low doses of allergens when very young.
• Teaching kids how to property care for a puppy or a dog can help them become more cooperative and generous.
• When kids imagine how a dog feels, it helps them learn to empathize with their peers and take their feelings into account.

My sister and I share these memories of saving three adorable ponies from an abusive situation, 2 baby calves who had lost their mothers during childbirth, and gave two beautiful horses a loving home.  I was bullied in school so I know what it is like for children to fear going to school but for me, I knew that coming home brought me happiness.  I’m an adult now and still get bullied but it’s ok because I know how to handle it and I have my Jake and Maggie to hold :-).  My sister and I grew up in that 100 year old farmhouse and although it is no longer in the family, our memories there and with our animals will be forever with us.