Almost 11 years ago I was a young single mom. I was convinced that my son needed a bunny. We were going to litter box train this bunny and that would be our family pet.
My sister heard of this plot and convinced me to go to the shelter with her. She made sure I had my son (who was 1 1/2) with me.

Even though looking at each of these dogs was heart wrenching. We found the "one". Miles our shepherd/asshole mix. There was instant love between him and my son. From that moment on they have been inseparable.

My sister likes to tell me "see, a dog is much better than a bunny." In the early chewing days I would have gladly traded him in for one though. Looking back, I'm glad I stuck it out.

When I met my now husband he had a rescue dog also. Our boxer Boobs. Who proves my favorite joke of "if you're pretty you don't have to be smart". He is inseparable from our oldest son.

He would go on escapee walk abouts and for some reason only our son could get him to come home. He also loved to put clothes on Boobs (who was not thrilled but took it like a champ).

When I was pregnant with our third son I made the mistake of taking my husband to Petco on a Saturday. They of course had the shelter dogs there. He was instantly in love with Sophie. Our boxer/pit mix. I was very skeptical how this would work with bringing home a new baby.

The day we brought home our third son she was attached. She would search the house to find and lick him any chance she could get. They are best friends and are usually getting into trouble together.

Three dogs for three boys. I couldn't imagine my life without my fur babies. They watch over my boys and are so much a part of our lives. My boys learn responsibility and I believe are gentler people because of them.

Truly, through my experience every boy needs a dog to love.