Yesterday, I had the good fun of speaking with a terrific group of kids who were spending their week at Mahogany Ridge “KidsCamp!” It’s a camp where kids and their dogs get to play and learn together. Theresa Richmond, the camp director and trainer, (whom some of you may remember from Dogs of Dreamtime) invited me to give a talk on what it’s like to write about dogs.
As with training dogs, writing about dogs is best learned by doing. So the kids worked on an article together entitled “10 Great Reasons to Have a Dog.” First, each child wrote down their reasons, and then we added up how many of those sentiments were shared by others.
What follows is the tally of great reasons and the number of thumbs-up votes each one received.
10 Great Reasons to Have a Dog
#1. Dogs are great companions and your best friends forever. 15 
#2. Dogs are lovable and nice / cute and cuddly. 10
#3. Tied. Dogs love to play. You can play with them, and you both get exercise. 9
Dogs teach you patience and responsibility. They’re someone to love and care for. 9
#4. Dogs are lots of fun, and they’re entertaining. 8
#5. Dogs love you as much as you love them. 7
#6. Tied. Dogs are very trusting and loyal, they help you learn how to trust. 5
Dogs are good protection. Some would give their lives for you. 5
#7. Dogs are fun to train for activities like agility & you can teach them lots of tricks. 4
#8. Tied. Dogs need a home. You get to give them one, which makes you both happy. 3
There are lots of different breeds and sizes to choose from. 3
#9. Tied. Dogs make great alarm clocks; they like to wake you up in the morning. 2
Dogs are great with children and some are nice with babies. 2
#10. Dogs make great vacuum cleaners; they pick up food off the floor. 1
- (I have to say, on my list, this is much higher up.)
There were so many #10s that, for the sake of space, I’ve grouped them together.
- Dogs comfort you.
- You can name your dog whatever you want, and they kiss you.
- Dogs are always happy to see you, and they are in your heart forever.
- Dogs are good workers.
- Dogs understand your feelings.
- Dogs are a piece of work.
- Dogs can help you and be trained to call 911 in case of an emergency.
- Feeding my dog is another paying chore.
- Dogs will keep you happy when you are lonely, and they will always be waiting for you when you get home.
- Petting dogs lowers your blood pressure, and you feel rewarded when they’re happy.
- Dogs never want to let you down, and they are very funny.
- The way dogs look at you makes you swear they are smiling. And I love how my dog licks my face when I call her and how she prances back with the ball when I throw it.
Contributing writers are listed in alphabetical order: (Parents and children, if you see any corrections that need to be made, please email me and I will update.)
- Michael “Mike” Gulli and his Chocolate Lab, Doc
- Julie Lattanzio and her Sheltie, Rose
- Griffin Potter and his Wheaton Terrier, Ernie
- Rebeca Baker and her Australian Shepherd, Toby
- Marita Breen and her English Springer Spanie, Libby
- Ben Burke and his Portuguese Water Dog, Arlo
- Maria Burke and her Catahoula mix, Henry
- Haylie Gernert-Dott and her Wheaton Terrier, Tally Ho
- Tori Gernert-Dott and her Welsh Terrier, Baker
- Peter Judson and his rare breed, Scout
- Sylvia Kimmel and her Collie, Mia
- Nicole Manning and her Golden Retriever, Abby
- Robert “Robby” Pollaro and his Beagle mix, Lily
- Ali Reinhold and her Dachshund, Dixie
- Juliana Rivera and her Shih-tzu, Jewels
- Danielle Ross and her Black Lab, Lucy
- Briana Sirianni and her Bichon Frisee, Josie
- Ian Snell and his Lab mix, Maxine
- Kiera Taylor and her Chocolate Lab, Lucy
- Gabriela “Gabby” Thiele and her Corgi, Cassidy
- Michael Vassolas and his Golden Retriever, Monty
- Megan Mary White and her Yorkie, PJ
I am trying to persuade my parents to get a dog too. I really want to join the YKC you see. I am doing a presentation tommorow. Can’t wait. Thanks for the info.
Fingers crossed for you, Nicola. Good luck!
Dogs are great, or I think so anyway. I love your reasons to get a dog. I have just always had a dog, since the day I was born and I don’t think I could be without one now.
I don’t get out much due to looking after my mum, so my dog tends to be friend who actually listens. The one thing I would say to anyone thinking of getting a dog is do not get one unless you are really committed to looking after it for it’s entire life. This means paying it’s vets bills, jabs etc or insurance. It’s not fair on a dog for an owner to let it down like that.
Good post. :)
Emma, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I couldn’t agree more!
I never had a dog because where I live no dogs are allowed and im moving so I was writing to my dad about how I should get a dog your list of reasons helped a lot!!! Thank You
I’m getting a dog as soon as I leave for college in a few years, most likely a chihuahua. I’ve already looked at pet-friendly housing at the college of my dreams, and because of the expense, I’m already saving my money. It’ll go much faster when I get a real job this spring (:
this is really good as im trying to convince my stressed out parents to get a dog! most likely a labrador! thanks! its a great post!!!! :)
I am trying to convince my dad let me get a dog he’s the only one holding us back my mom doesn’t really care she wants one too. But my dad says he doesn’t think we can handle a dog. do you have any advice on how to persuade him? maybe making a chart would work.? what do you think?
Jess, trying a chart that would outline what all the reponsibilites are and who is going to handle them would be a good start. Also,having a dog is expensive with food and vet bills. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1,000 a year. Is there any way you can contribute to paying some of that? That would probably help too. Good luck!
A lot of good reasons . #5 Dogs love you as much as you love them.
My Golden of 13 years , is in the hospital as I type. My # 1 reason …is love and God..who else could give us the ability and the dogs the ability to love each other so MUCH .
Thank you Lord
Mark, I also have a beloved 13 yo dog who’s not doing so well. My sympathies and prayers to you and your Golden.
I really want to persuade my parents to get a dog because a girl down the streets dog had 8 puppys and she is willing to give us one but my parents said no
Hazel, how tempting to have 8 so nearby. It’s so hard to want a dog and not be in a position to have one. But one day, you’ll be able to make that decision for yourself.
I have a persuasive essay to write and my mom says if I get a perfect score I can get a Great Dane. The reason u posted are really working out so far. So thank you
Glad I could be of help! Great Danes are cool dogs– good luck!