Through the ages Jewish people have owned dogs–for guarding the sheep and other farm animals. Have you ever owned a dog? I grew up with them as we grew up on a farm. We had all kinds–Shephers, collies, mutts, boxers, Belgian shepherds, labradors, partial dalmations etc. I absolutely LOVE dogs. They gave me much happiness growing up in a situation that was painful and horrible. This is why they use dogs to visit the elderly in nursing homes, sick children who may or may not recover from a debilitating illness. The ONLY reason that we don’t have a dog now (in the heart of Brooklyn) is because no one is home all day. We both work and the kids are in yeshiva all day. Not fair to leave a people animal alone like that. I feel bad leaving my parrotkeet alone all day. By the way–Adam HaRishon named the dog appropriately–if you take away the nekudos under the word kelev and add a shva and tzeirei you have the word–kilev–like the heart. That is what a dog is–the heart of his master. Everyone should have nachas from their children and grandchildren, but it is heartwarming to have a dog put his chin on your lap and want a scratch behind the ears–ahh peacefulness.
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