A kid and a Dog

It was never a hard decision for us to have a dog in our home. We had our dog before the chickadee was born.

I have always had evening walks with our dog and I was adamant that the dog did not feel left out. 

The dog never paid much attention to the kid.

But the relationship that grew between them has been amazing.

We all love our dog and as part of the family, she has been relocated to Singapore with us (you can read more about it here: http://zchicchick.blogspot.sg/2014/07/bringing-our-pet-dog-into-singapore.html)

For those parents sitting on the edge, here are several positive reasons you might not have thought of to bring a pet home for your kids:

(http://www.oprah.com/relationships/10-Reasons-Pets-Are-Good-for-Kids)

• Children who grow up in homes with pets have less risk of developing common allergies and asthma.
• Playing with dogs may help lower blood pressure.
• Kids with pets get outside more—to go for walks, run and play—and enjoy all the associated health benefits.
• Pet owners require fewer doctor's visits.
• Emerging readers often feel more comfortable reading aloud to a pet.
• Nurturing a pet is an acceptable way for boys to "parent play"—to practice being caregivers.
• Feeding and caring for a pet encourages childhood responsibility.
• Children with pets display improved impulse control, social skills and self-esteem.
• Sharing the love and care of a family pet forges an additional common bond among siblings.
• Cuddling a pet reduces stress, loneliness and anxiety.