"Third, let me show you how to discipline the dog properly. Your children will imitate you, and you want this done right."

The couple had agreed that they wanted a Rescue Dog. They also wanted a medium size and moderate energy dog. I was told there was no preference of sex.

At the shelter, I looked at many of the dogs who were leaping eagerly at the doors of the kennels. Their over-excitement was NOT going to work around children – or inexperienced adults.

I was drawn at last to Belle Lady, a very small Lab cross. She was almost all black, and greeted me with a sweet wiggle when I neared her kennel. I allowed her to smell me. Then I put her leash on. I walked her a good distance. I tested her on pulling, and tested her behavior around cats, cars, distractions, people, and her tolerance level. After all, the best dog for a child is not a particular breed, but an individual dog's sweet, gentle personality which is responsive to and respectful of your authority and that of the children, and whose exercise and attention needs are conducive with the family's lifestyle.

With Belle, I was sure that I had found the perfect match for this family. Homework is important, though. So I had a long conversation with one of the people who had worked with Belle at the shelter. Her conclusion was identical to mine.

The next day when the children were out of school, we all went to the shelter to get Belle. The children obeyed their parents and listened intently to my every word. Belle was allowed to smell them first, then they walked Belle behind them.