Up to 81% of Americans view their pets as family members, and think about their dogs as much as their children. 71% have a photo of their dog in their wallet or phone that they show other people.
There are obvious benefits to having dogs rather than children. Your dog will never slam a door in your face or tell you they hate you. They can be potty trained in eight weeks. They don't need clothes, a car, or a college education.
AFTER COMBING THROUGH RESEARCH, EXPERTS CONCLUDE:
Dogs can read your gestures but they'll never make rude gestures of their own. They can learn words like children but they can't talk back.
And they are as attached to you as a child, but are much, much cheaper. It isn't hard to see which dependent is the logical choice.
** Dr. Brian Hare is the director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center and Vanessa Woods is a research scientist at Duke University. This essay is adapted from their new book, "The Genius of Dogs," published by Dutton.