Read All About It!
Here is this month's question:

This is not HOW you got your dog, but WHY. Why was it important that you get a dog?
What reasons did you have for wanting one: companionship, something to cuddle,
something to care for, you like brushing animals - Why did you get a dog?

Updated 7/10/08

For many years I have always wanted a dog. One year
I got this weenie dog and I named her Molly. I think it is important
to have a dog because he/she is a very good friend to have by your side.
Lani, age 14, Texas USA

The reason my family got this dog is because
he was not in good hands and I had a dog before and we had
to get rid of him because he was not in good shape. Another
reason is that I needed somebody to play with all the time
so I wouldn't be lonely. Ashley, age 8, Michigan USA

I got my adorable Shana (a mix between a Beagle
and a Lab, but I think she has Greyhound in her) because I
wanted a dog SOOO badly! I needed a dog so I could have
a best friend, and because I'm not healthy, and having a dog
where I would have to walk her would make me healthy.
I had to wait YEARS to get Shana! Meghan, age 11, Virginia USA

Why I got my dog? Well, my dog, Auggie,
was adopted from the American Puppy Club. Why we got him,
though, was because of me. I had been begging for one
for five long years. I started begging when I was 4 and got
Auggie when I was 9. My parents finally gave in and we went
to the Puppy Club just to LOOK. But we fell in love with Auggie
and brought him home. Allison, age 11, New Jersey USA

I got my dog, Chica, because I wanted a friend
who would always love me and who looks up to me all the time.
It makes me feel very good inside that somebody looks up to me.
She loves learning new tricks. Since I want to be a professional
dog trainer when I grow up, she's helped a lot with that. She also
loves going for runs at the park. :) I will always love her :)
Patricia, age 14, California USA

Well, my mom's boss got me my dog. His name is Rocky.
He is a Chihuahua. He's 3 weeks, 9 months old. He is
brown. He likes to play tag and fetch. He's a really cool dog.
Daniel, age 8, Texas USA

I got my Rough Collie, Sandy, because I was lonely.
When I was little, I had no friends in school and I was so
lonely, I had nobody to talk to, go out with, have fun with
or any of that stuff. I was a really shy little girl who had no
confidence whatsoever. There was only my mum, dad and
big brother there for me, as my cousin lived 3 hours away
from me by motorway so we don't get to see each other much.
I was becoming depressed, so my mum and dad discussed
getting me a puppy to cheer me up.

We bought Sandy from a collie breeder and he became a true
friend to me. I got somebody to talk to, somebody to love, feed,
walk, teach tricks. And the best thing about him was I could tell
him all my sorrows and he would always listen. He still does,
although now he is reaching his eight birthday and is becoming
a bit arthritic, I will forever love him. He gave me confidence,
he helped me talk to people. And when bullies used to knock on
my door to pick on me, he would be there to bark at them or just
to be there when I needed somebody to talk to.

I could never imagine life without my little Sandy, though he's
a bit taller than he was when we first got him! I've had him
since I was seven years old, and I could never imagine a better
friend than a dog. But now, I do have some human friends, and
I would never have made them if it wasn't for Sandy. Love you,
my lovely little Sandy xx Nicola, age 15, Liverpool/England

I got my dog Finn, a yellow Labrador, because I am
very interested in purebred dogs and dog sports. My older
chocolate Lab, Murphy, is more my father's and I wanted one of my
own. I got Finn for Christmas and he is all mine. We are involved in
agility, tracking, obedience, and therapy. Kelsey, age 15, New York USA

I got my dog, Fido, for Valentine's Day. He was a gift.
He is now two years old (human age). We have had lots of fun
together. He is also our next guard dog. I got my dog, Sugar,
because I get lonely. She is also only two years old. Sugar is
now my best furry, four-legged friend. Cissy, age 15, USA

The reason why I Got a dog is because our family
was always talking about getting a dog one day, so we finally
found one. We saw it on the newspaper and my brother was
like "call the lady, call the lady". So my mom finally did so we
went to church on a Sunday and we passed by the house we
were going to get the dog from. So we stopped by and saw
the pups. They were soo... adorable! So my dad said to get one
and then he told me mom to tell the lady that he will pay her
on Wednesday.

So my mom got her money and her and my
brother went to go pick a puppy. I was so nervous to see the
dog they picked. I saw it and it was so adorable :) I loved it
and I Still do from this day. I Got him when he was 2 months
and now he is 10 months.! I Love him & he is my best friend!!
I Love You Lucky!! Erika, age 15, Wisconsin USA

I got a dog 'cause I wanted a friend who will
be there when I need him, a friend that listens to my
problems and solves it with me and most of all, I wanted
a friend for life. Andrea, age 16, Philippines

I got my dog because my Golden Retriever had
just passed and we needed a new one and instead of getting
one from a breeder, I got one from the shelter. She is my
best friend. I don't know what I would do without her!!
Ellie, age 14, California USA

I got my dog Chico because I asked and asked my mom
for one, but also because I needed a true friend by my side. Chico is
a Poodle mixed with a smaller dog. I love my dog because he is the
best and very smart too!!! Do you love your dog?
Alondra, age 13, California USA

I got a dog named Princess from a breeder. She's cute
and she's a German Shepherd. Tyler, age 13, Ohio USA

I got my dog because I wanted one. I get everything
that I want. Don't call me spoiled, but it's true. But my dog is so cute.
Brittney, age 14, France (I moved there because I wanted to!)

I've always loved dogs to death even since I was
really little. I wanted one because I wanted to play with one
and I liked having a dog to be a good friend for me.
Tiffany, age 14, Georgia USA

I got my dog because I would never stop asking
for one!! Megan, age 14, Galway, Ireland

My dog's old owner was about to be abandoned.
His old owner was moving into an apartment and couldn't keep
the dog. My dad knew the old owner and surprised my family
with a cute Miniature Pinscher. I don't know what I would do
without my dog! Chelsea, age 14, California USA

I got my dog, Gilligan, because he was a cutie. I love him
and I can't have him at my house so my mom's (Jennifer) friend (Leah)
has him at her house. But I trust her. I always ask my mom if we can
go see him. Amy, age 10, Florida USA

I always wanted a Labrador Retriever because they are
beautiful and like to play fetch. I told my mom that I would
learn about them and I did! Cassidy, age 9, Oklahoma USA

I wanted a dog because I like to hang out with my dog
and he is warm to lay on the floor with. And I like to give
dogs treats and play in the yard. Sammy, age 7, Montana USA

For many years, I wanted a dog to be my friend.
I'm kinda shy, but I'm not when I'm with my dog. When we
go for walks, people say hi and pet my dog. So I guess you could
say a dog can help you meet other kids and their families, too.
I really love my dog a lot. LaToya, age 14, Wisconsin USA