A dog is the greatest gift a parent can give a child. OK, a good

Hear now the playful yet profound words of John Grogan, author and lover of life’s simplest treasures: “A dog is the greatest gift a parent can give a child. OK, a good education, then a dog.” At first his words seem light, spoken with humor, but within them lies a truth that echoes through time. For he speaks of two gifts that shape the human soul: the gift of knowledge and the gift of love. One strengthens the mind; the other softens the heart. Together, they prepare a child not only to live, but to live well.

What is meant by the gift of a dog? It is the gift of loyalty, of companionship, of love without condition. A dog teaches what no classroom can: the language of empathy, the patience of care, the humility of service. A child who learns to love and to be loved by such a creature learns early that the bonds of life are not built on power or wealth, but on trust and devotion. This, too, is a form of education, though taught not by books, but by wagging tails and faithful eyes.

Grogan, in his own life, wrote of Marley, the unruly yet beloved dog who brought chaos and laughter to his home. Marley was no scholar, yet he was a teacher. He taught his family resilience, patience, forgiveness, and above all, joy. His story became a testament to the truth of Grogan’s words: that sometimes the greatest lessons come from the simplest creatures, and that in a child’s heart, the presence of a dog may awaken compassion that will endure a lifetime.

Yet Grogan does not forget the power of education, placing it even above the dog in importance. For without knowledge, without learning, without the cultivation of the mind, a child’s potential remains dormant. Education equips the soul with vision, with tools to navigate the world, with the strength to shape destiny. But when paired with the lessons of a dog, it becomes complete—mind sharpened by study, heart softened by love. The one without the other is lacking, but together they form a harmony that prepares a child for both success and goodness.

History bears witness to this union of heart and mind. Abraham Lincoln, who rose from poverty to greatness, often spoke of his love for animals. His wisdom, sharpened by books and self-study, was deepened by compassion, which was evident in his gentleness toward creatures and people alike. It was not merely his education that made him great, but also his empathy, cultivated by bonds both human and animal. His story mirrors Grogan’s wisdom: greatness is born when the intellect and the heart are trained together.

Beware, then, the danger of neglect. Parents who provide only education but not compassion raise children who may be clever but cold. Those who provide love without learning risk leaving their children vulnerable to the harshness of the world. But when both are given—a schooling for the mind and a faithful dog for the heart—the child grows balanced, wise, and whole.

Therefore, O parents and guides of the young, take this lesson: give your children the strength of education and the tenderness of love. Let them sit in classrooms to sharpen their minds, but also let them run in fields with companions who teach joy. Teach them to calculate and reason, but also to nurture and to care. For the truest greatness lies not only in intellect, but in kindness.

The final word is this: as Grogan has spoken, so it must be remembered. A good education is the root of success, but a faithful dog—or any bond of unconditional love—is the root of humanity. Give your children both, and you will not only prepare them for the trials of life, but also teach them to live with joy, compassion, and grace.