Researchers have found evidence suggesting that kids who grow up having a pet companion learn a lot from this relationship. The connection formed is not only beneficial to the animal, but also to the child. Kids that have pets become responsible sooner and behave proactively. These are just two of the positive outcomes your child will experience from your decision to allow a "stranger" to enter your house. The lessons a child will learn from being close to an animal can have a tremendous effect to its personality and behavior; today and in the future. Having to take the dog out for a walk, visiting the veterinarian's office every six months, washing the dog or playing with it, will not only be some of your kid's future cherished memories, but also some rather life-changing experiences.

Only good can come out from your child learning to be respectful and affectionate to an animal. By living with a dog, your child will for the first time in his or her life learn what it feels like to take care of another living-soul. Moreover, the happiness and comfort such a relationship will bring to your kid's life cannot be easily ignored or compared with anything else he or she will later decide to experience. Respecting someone else's needs and thinking of their well-being are extremely important lessons for the formation of your child's future character and you will be later thanked for being tolerant and supportive.