This Dog Tales post is unique in that it is a joint offering from sisters Melissa and Alice, who share letters they wrote to the family’s dog, Tako.

As with all stories in this series, the girls’ letters have not been edited for spelling or grammar. Each belongs wholly to its author.

Title: Letters to Tako

Author: Melissa, age 10 and Alice, age 7

Dear Tako,

We hope that you like your new home and your new toys. We think you are very nice and fun to play with. You make me feel happy because you are very lovable and always jump on the couch and let me cuddle with you. You lick my face when I am sad.

Love, Melissa

Dear Tako,

You are very silly and always try to stand up on your hind legs. You are very hyper and run around the background and that is very ridiculous also. I love you. When I am sad I like to be around you because you are goofy!

Love, Alice

Three Musketeers: Alice, Tako, and Melissa

***

I love that both girls commented on how Tako lifts their spirits when they are down. More and more, researchers are looking into the benefits that accrue to humans from having a dog in the home. While this research is still in its infancy, findings thus far have been resoundingly positive.

For instance, according to research published last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children who grow up with a dog are less likely to suffer from anxiety. Still to be studied: whether the relationship is causal, and if it is, how dogs alleviate anxiety.

Another interesting finding: Seven- and eight-year-olds rank pets higher than humans as providers of comfort and self-esteem, and as confidants.