I hear so many parents telling their children that they’ll get a dog or cat when the child is old enough to take care of it. Of course, that day sometimes never comes because children rarely demonstrate the responsibility required to take care of themselves, much less a defenseless animal.

But teaching responsibility and developing compassion with a pet is an amazing extension of childhood. When I moved into a home shortly after my marriage, my husband’s cousin gave us a small dog as a housewarming present. I was thrilled because I loved her dogs and had never had one of my own. My husband had grown up with pets and was happy for me but a little concerned because we were expecting our first child. Even though he had seen his cousin’s dogs being gentle with her children, my husband wasn’t certain how a dog would react to our child. Would the dog be jealous; would he resent the baby?

We needed have worried because the instant Kevin came home from the hospital, he had a bodyguard, live stuffed animal as his constant companion. Winston (I named the dog) guarded Kevin with his life, sleeping under his crib and watching every adult who dared to touch “his” baby. My mother-in-law panicked when I lifted Winston up and put him in the playpen with Kevin. She was sure the dog would suffocate him or at the very least bite him. Kevin and Winston played for awhile, then Kevin got sleepy. As Winston lay down on the floor of the playpen, Kevin slumped against Winston’s side. Together, baby and puppy took a nap. Kevin awoke in fine form and Winston licked his baby’s face to clean up the drool.

When Kevin learned to walk, his first chore was to feed his puppy. When Winston needed fresh water, Kevin spilled water into the bowl – and out of it too. When Kevin was having a time out because he’d done something wrong, Winston commiserated. When Winston was yelled out for chewing up something like my flip flops or something else not intended for his dog teeth, Kevin wrapped his arms around his dog and whispered in his ear, “It’s okay, Winston, I still love you.”

Between the two of them Kevin and Winston made a pretty good team. When Winston was six he became ill and had to be put to sleep. The hardest part was explaining death to Kevin. We grieved together and remembered the good times with Winston and Winston became a part of Kevin’s life experience.

Today, my younger son, Brian, who also shared some wonderful experiences with Winston, has children of his own. Before his first son was born, he and his wife were given a small dog, and his name is Winston. He is my grandson Max’s bodyguard and best pal, although now that Max has a new baby brother the relationship may change a little. Max takes care of Winston and Winston is devoted to Max.

And that’s how children and pets help each other grow.