In the course of working with these amazing kids, I found some of kids connected with dogs, some even had a service dog that created an emotional bond with the child, providing the child with better quality of life. I already had a love for dogs, when I was little, around four years old, and still struggling to tie my shoes well, I would sneak out to the corner of our lot, far enough away that I felt I was all by myself, and I would hang out with my dogs. My “pack” came in all colors, some pink, some purple, and whenever I realized I was missing a color, I would add another. My parents were happy, as they didn’t influence the food bill.

I remember how my imaginary dogs gave me comfort and adventures as a child and I’ve since seen how dogs can become the much-needed friend for so many children, especially kids like my students. When they talk about their dogs, they aren’t just their dogs, they’re so much more. They are members of the family, they are a piece of their support network, and ultimately they’re their best friend, always there for a hug and a lick when they’ve had a bad day.