A security camera video captured a precious moment between a girl and her dogs, confirming there’s no greater relationship between children and their pets.
Vivint Smart Home shared with Newsweek the footage of a girl playing in the snowy backyard with the family’s two dogs in their Sioux Falls, South Dakota, home. The girl’s mother, Katie Hoekstra, explained that it was the city’s first snowfall, and wanting to make the most of the snow, her daughter Lucy immediately geared up and headed outside with the two dogs happily joining her.
At the beginning of the video, Lucy’s back is to the camera, hiding what she is doing, but one could tell she was pulling something. Only one dog was visible at this point. The canine was sniffing around in the snow. Then, as Lucy gets closer to the security camera, the other dog is revealed. Lucy was hauling the smaller dog, Coco, on a sled around the snowy backyard.
The moment immediately warmed Hoekstra’s heart. She said the family adopted Coco in April 2024, and the 8-year-old dog quickly became a “wonderful addition” to the family.
“It was the sweetest thing,” Hoekstra said. “Lucy has such a big heart and loves spending time with our dogs.”
Screenshots from a Vivint Smart Home security camera of a daughter playing with the family’s dogs. She pulled one dog on the sled in the snow about 10 times.
Vivint Smart Home
Hoekstra explained that Lucy put Coco on the sled, and “that’s where she stayed” as she went back and forth in the yard.
The other dog seemed to get a little jealous. Wanting a turn on the sled, the dog kept coming over to check on the two. However, it was Coco’s ride, and she wasn’t getting off any time soon.
“Lucy has an amazing personality, and her ideas and creativity are beyond her years,” Hoekstra said. “I’m not surprised she thought to tote her around. I think she said she pulled her around the backyard 10 times.”
Relationship Benefits of Dogs and Children
There’s no doubt children and dogs have a special bond, and according to an article from Purina, growing up with canines can positively impact a child’s physical and psychological development.
A dog offers children constant companionship, which is needed during difficult times such as moving, starting a new school or having fights with friends. No matter what emotions they go through, kids can turn to their pets. Dogs have been known to help people release stress and relax.
Having a pet in the family can introduce children to responsibility. They might become accountable for making sure the pet has food and water or goes out for walks. Not only does looking after the family pet give them responsibility, but it also helps them learn empathy and compassion and develop higher self-esteem.
Growing up with a pet also promotes a healthier lifestyle, physically and mentally. Whether kids are playing or walking a dog, they are getting exercise. Exposure to pet dander and microbes can improve a child’s developing immune system. Finally, interaction with dogs has been found to influence hormones linked to well-being and happiness.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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