“IT TOOK A FEW YEARS OF DEBATING TO GET A NEW PUPPY FOR THE GIRLS OR NOT. ONCE THEY SAW HIM, I REGRETTED NOT DOING IT SOONER.”

— George Stroumboulis

INSTANT LOVE FOR THEODORE

Merry Christmas from my family to yours. A new member joined the Stroumboulis family today - Theo (Theodore). The good news is... it's a BOY (FINALLY)! Dimitra, Viviana and Evangelia have been begging, asking, crying for a dog for years (mostly Demi). I'm so excited for them... looks like I have a new office pal in the making.

Christmas 2024 with Dimitra, Viviana and Evangelia opening the best present of all - a new puppy they named Theo (Theodore).

1st day we picked up Theo from the airport.

First day with us, on the dash of the car.

WHY IS HAVING A DOG FOR KIDS GOOD FOR DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS

Having a dog can be beneficial for children's developmental skills in various ways:

Responsibility: Caring for a dog teaches children about responsibility. They learn to feed, groom, and exercise the dog regularly, which instills a sense of accountability.
Empathy and Compassion: Interacting with a pet fosters empathy and compassion in children as they learn to understand and respond to the needs and feelings of another living being.
Social Skills: Owning a dog can improve a child's social skills by providing opportunities for interaction with other dog owners during walks or visits to the dog park. It can also facilitate conversations with peers about their pets.
Physical Activity: Dogs require regular exercise, which encourages children to engage in physical activities such as walking, running, or playing fetch, promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical development.
Emotional Development: Dogs provide unconditional love and companionship, which can help children feel more secure and emotionally supported. Additionally, interacting with a dog can reduce stress and anxiety levels in children.
Communication Skills: Children often develop better communication skills through interactions with their pets. They may talk to their dog, give commands, or even read to them, which can improve language development and confidence in speaking.
Routine and Discipline: Taking care of a dog requires establishing and maintaining routines, such as feeding schedules and obedience training. This helps children understand the importance of structure and discipline in daily life.
Cognitive Development: Interacting with a dog can stimulate cognitive development in children. Activities like teaching tricks, solving puzzles together, or simply observing the dog's behavior can enhance problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
Self-Esteem: The bond between a child and their dog can boost self-esteem and self-confidence. Children feel valued and loved by their pet, which contributes to a positive self-image.

Overall, having a dog can provide numerous opportunities for children to learn and grow, fostering important developmental skills that can benefit them throughout their lives. However, it's essential to ensure that children are supervised and taught how to interact safely and respectfully with animals.

WHAT KIND OF DOG IS A MORKIE?

A Morkie is a small designer dog breed that is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. They are known for their small size, typically weighing between 4 to 8 pounds, and their fluffy, non-shedding coat. Morkies often inherit traits from both parent breeds, including their friendly and affectionate demeanor, intelligence, and playful nature. They are popular companion dogs known for their loyalty and suitability for apartment living due to their small size. Additionally, Morkies are often considered hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies to pet dander.

WHAT ARE TRENDS WITH DOG OWENERSHIP?

Several trends regarding dogs as pets in America have been observed:

Humanization of Pets: Dogs are increasingly being treated as members of the family rather than just pets. This trend has led to the demand for high-quality pet products, including premium food, designer accessories, and even pet-specific services like daycare and grooming.
Adoption and Rescue: There's a growing preference for adopting dogs from shelters and rescue organizations rather than purchasing them from breeders or pet stores. This trend reflects a societal shift towards promoting animal welfare and reducing the number of homeless pets.
Small Dog Breeds: Small dog breeds, such as French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Their compact size makes them well-suited for urban living and smaller living spaces.
Crossbreeds and Designer Dogs: Crossbreeds, or designer dogs, have gained popularity, with many people seeking unique combinations of breeds, such as Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix) or Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever and Poodle mix).
Health and Wellness: Pet owners are becoming more conscious of their dogs' health and wellness needs, leading to increased demand for natural and organic pet foods, supplements, and preventive healthcare measures like regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations.
Technology Integration: Technology is increasingly being incorporated into pet care, with the rise of smart pet products such as automatic feeders, GPS trackers, health monitors, and interactive toys designed to enhance the well-being of dogs and provide peace of mind for owners.
Remote Work and Pet Ownership: The increase in remote work arrangements has led to more people adopting dogs, as they have more time to dedicate to pet care and companionship. Dogs can provide emotional support and alleviate feelings of isolation for remote workers.
Social Media Influence: The influence of social media platforms like Instagram has contributed to the popularity of certain dog breeds and individual dogs, with "pet influencers" garnering large followings and even sponsorship deals from pet-related brands.

These trends reflect evolving attitudes towards pet ownership, with an emphasis on companionship, well-being, and responsible care for dogs as valued members of the family.