Babies and dogs often end up in the news in tragic
situations or simply unpleasant encounters. But when I think back on my years working as a nanny for a family
with two boys—aged six months and two years when I started caring for them—I
remember their dog Annie as my personal savior. Granted, Annie was a well-trained black lab, which is
one of the best breeds for children.
Not only did Annie help teach
the boys empathy and responsibility as they got older—they were very attentive
to her food and play needs—but she was a great addition to the family for some practical reasons as well. Here are just a few reasons why dogs and children can go hand in, uh, paw:
1. Cleaning doesn't get any easier than yelling, "Annie, come!" Dogs will gladly clean up everything from crumbs in the
car seats to applesauce in the carpet to jelly in the baby’s thigh rolls.
2. Dress Up. When the kids outgrow their clothes or stain them
with grape juice, give them to the dog. Hours of hilarity for the whole family
will ensue.
3. Family photographs. Put a baby next to a black lab; snap a
photograph. Your holiday pictures are done. Even the worst photo of a baby and
a dog is pretty darn cute.
4. Dog Hair. That's right: studies have indicated that growing up with dogs
helps kids develop immunities against asthma and other allergies.
5. Catch. What quickly becomes boring and a little gross to adults is endless amusement for dogs and children. Dogs never tire of running after balls. Toddlers
never tire of throwing balls and watching dogs chase them—no matter how slobber-covered
the ball becomes. All the little creatures in the family have a blast and you don't even have to get your hands dirty!
Photo: Derek Leffew
