• Growth & Development
  • Play & Activities
  • Life Skills
  • Play & Learning
  • Learning & Education
  • Rhymes & Songs
  • Preschool Locator

FirstCry Intelli Education

Essay On Dog for Children and Students – 10 Lines, Short & Long Essay

Shaili Contractor

Key Points To Remember When Writing Essay On Dog

  • Characteristics Of Dogs

Benefits Of Dogs

Most popular dog breeds, 10 lines on dog, a paragraph on dog, short essay on dog, long essay on dog for kids, some interesting facts about dogs, what will your child learn from the dog essay.

Do you know that dogs are among the most common pet animals today? We have all grown up with one in our homes or fed several street strays. Humans and dogs have lived happily, side by side, for more than 40,000 years. They have had all kinds of roles, starting from hunting partners to being loving companions, earning them the title “man’s best friend ”. A dog essay in English is a common writing activity for children of all ages in schools. Considering how common dogs are in our world, children should be able to write a good essay on the topic without much difficulty. As a source of reference in this article, we present an essay on dogs for classes 1, 2 and 3 in long and short forms.  

Here are a few valuable tips on how to write an essay about a dog:    

  • A good essay on dogs can involve a proper balance of factual information and personal thoughts about the subject.  
  • Short essays can cover the physical characteristics of dogs, such as their breeds, lifespan, and relevance to human societies.  
  • Long essays should start with introductory paragraphs about dogs and end with a heartfelt description of how they are helpful and loved by all. This will leave the reader feeling appreciative and affectionate toward these beautiful creatures. If you have a dog as a pet, your personal experience can provide unique insights for your essay and make it more relatable to readers.  

Characteristics Of Dogs  

Here are some characteristics of dogs that are useful for writing essays. We will cover the physical and behavioural attributes of dogs in this section:    

Dogs are descendants of wolves that were domesticated by early hunter-gatherer tribes. They are four-legged mammals that give birth to several puppies at a time. Hundreds of dog breeds have different qualities and are adapted to other environments. Dogs are intelligent, have an excellent sense of smell, and are omnivorous animals that can thrive in the wild or among humans. Dogs are clever enough to be trained to obey simple commands or even perform complicated tasks, such as caring for people with disabilities. Dogs are highly loyal to their owners, and some breeds are known to defend their owners ferociously from all kinds of threats.

Dogs are beneficial to humans in many different ways. Here are a few:  

  • Dogs have plenty of psychological benefits as pets. Spending time with dogs reduces stress and anxiety in most people. Dogs are also very playful, which helps improve people’s moods.  
  • Service dogs are trained to help people who are disabled. They are trained to assist in many ways, including recognising medical emergencies.  
  • Dogs have always acted as guard animals that protect people and property from harm.  
  • Dogs are often used as hunting partners by people who live in forests.  

There are hundreds of dog breeds worldwide. Below is a list of some popular ones:  

  • Golden Retrievers: A favourite of most people, golden retrievers are friendly dogs who are always happy and playful. They are great watchdogs and adorable pets.  
  • Labrador Retrievers: These dogs have an even temper, making them good watchdogs. Labradors are also highly intelligent and can be trained as service dogs.  
  • German Shepherd: As the name suggests, German shepherds are sheepdogs. These highly intelligent dogs make excellent guard dogs and are also part of police K9 units.  
  • Rottweiler: This breed is brilliant and aggressive and known for being a fierce guard dog.  
  • Beagles: These are small, friendly dogs well known for their affectionate nature. They are also popular in movies.  

Writing a dog essay in 10 lines is simple, making it a great place to start writing an essay. Here is an example of a simple 10-line essay on dogs for classes 1 and 2:

  • Dogs are four-legged mammals that are popular domestic animals.
  • They are highly faithful and loyal to their owners.
  • Dogs are descendants of wolves. Their scientific name is Canis Lupus.
  • Dogs have an excellent sense of smell. They can also hear sound frequencies that are too high for humans.
  • Dogs are the most popular pets around the world. They have a life span of 10-15 years.
  • Dogs fulfil many purposes, from pet companions to guarding and serving animals.
  • Females give birth to four to six puppies at a time. They nurture them until they are a few months old.
  • Dogs have been alongside humankind for 40,000 years. Their unmatched loyalty earns them the title “Man’s best friend”.
  • Dogs bark loudly to ward off danger and to communicate.
  • There are hundreds of breeds of dogs around the world.

A single-paragraph essay is a good practice exercise before attempting longer essays. Here is an example of a dog paragraph for classes 1, 2 and 3:  

Dogs are very faithful pet animals that have been our companions for ages. They are descendants of wolves but have adapted to people over time. Dogs are fast on their feet, and several breeds are aggressive hunting dogs. Their sense of hearing and smell is incredible. Traditionally, dogs were domesticated to hunt and guard animals. In the modern-day, they are popular as pets and service animals. There are hundreds of different breeds of dogs around the world that are bred for specific qualities. Dogs, on average, have a lifespan of 10-15 years and are often the first choice for pet animals.  

Writing short essays lays down the skills required for composing long essays. Below is an example of a short essay on a dog:  

Dogs, these domesticated mammals, are not just pets, but intelligent beings that have been by our side for more than 40,000 years. Their intelligence is remarkable, and they can be trained to perform specific tasks or behave in a socially acceptable manner. People breed dogs for different purposes. Some are used for hunting; some are guard dogs, while most breeds are meant to be pets. Dogs are highly loyal animals that bond with their owners.  

Dogs are highly adaptable creatures. Many working breeds, such as Huskies and German shepherds, are also kept as pets in homes where they become loving family members. Their loyalty and allegiance to humans have earned them the title “man’s best friend.”  

A long descriptive essay about a dog is frequently asked for as an assignment. Here is an example of the dog essay for class 3:

The dog is a well-known animal that is popular as a pet worldwide. They come in various breeds with different qualities, physical characteristics, and colours. They are four-legged mammals that are descendants of wolves in the wild. When early man domesticated wolves for hunting, they adapted to human groups and evolved alongside to become close to people. They are very good at sensing human emotions such as love, hostility and fear and respond to people accordingly.

In general, dogs have an outstanding sense of smell. Breeds such as bloodhounds are explicitly employed for hunting and tracking animals and people. They also have excellent hearing power and can hear sound frequencies from 67 Hz to 45,000 Hz. What makes dogs so valuable is that they can be trained to perform various tasks. Service dogs can assist blind people daily, while emotional support dogs are excellent at comforting people who are feeling anxious. As part of K9 units, Sniffer dogs are also used in search and rescue and detecting faint scents that machines cannot.  

Despite all the beautiful ways dogs help people, they have a short lifespan of only about 10-15 years. While they have value in terms of service, most dogs are cherished as loving family members worldwide.

Dogs have long been cherished companions, and their fascinating traits never fail to captivate us. Explore some of the most intriguing facts about these beloved animals and uncover what makes them so remarkable.

  • Oldest Dog Breed:  The Saluki is the oldest dog breed, dating back to ancient Egypt.
  • Unique Nose Prints:  A dog’s nose print is unique, similar to human fingerprints, and can be used for identification.
  • Dogs Can Dream:  Dogs experience dreams, helping them process daily experiences and emotions.
  • Communication Through Expressions:  Dogs have over 100 facial expressions to convey their feelings and intentions.
  • Understanding Human Words:  Dogs can learn more than 100 words and gestures, comparable to a two-year-old child’s intelligence.
  • Sense of Direction:  Dogs may use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate outdoors.
  • Health Benefits:  Interacting with dogs can lower blood pressure and reduce stress, improving mental well-being.
  • Chocolate is Toxic:  Dogs cannot metabolize theobromine in chocolate, making it highly toxic to them.
  • Sense Of Time:  Dogs can perceive the passage of time and anticipate regular events like meals and walks.
  • Wet Noses:  A dog’s wet nose helps enhance its sense of smell by trapping scent particles.

The dog essays above have plenty of information on the history of dogs and how they are helpful to humankind. Children can use the essays as a reference for their compositions on the topic.

1. What Is the Life Span of a Dog?

On average, dogs live for about 10 to 15 years, depending on the breed.

2. How Do Dogs Communicate With Each Other?

Dogs communicate through barking and howling.

3. What is the origin of the word ‘dog’?

The word ‘dog’ comes from the Latin word ‘canis’.

4. How many different breeds of dogs are there?

There are over 400 different breeds of dogs in the world.

5. How many muscles do dogs use to move their ears?

Dogs have 18 different muscles that they use to move their ears.  

Dogs are loyal animals that will go to great lengths to please their owners. They are faithful and, indeed, “man’s best friend.” Through this exercise of writing a dog essay in English, children can not only learn how to write about dogs but also appreciate these beautiful creatures.  

Essay On My Pet for Class 1, 2 & 3 Children How to Write An Essay on Tiger for Class 1, 2 & 3 Kids How to Write An Essay on Cow for Class 1, 2 & 3 Children

  • Essays for Class 1
  • Essays for Class 2
  • Essays for Class 3

Shaili Contractor

How Your Screen Time Directly Impacts Your Child

13 helpful tips to get your child to listen to you, how to build a healthy relationship with food for your child, leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

Google search engine

Most Popular

Why playing alone is recommended for kids, recent comments.

FirstCry Intelli Education

FirstCry Intelli Education is an Early Learning brand, with products and services designed by educators with decades of experience, to equip children with skills that will help them succeed in the world of tomorrow.

essay on pet animals for class 2

The FirstCry Intellikit `Learn With Stories` kits for ages 2-6 brings home classic children`s stories, as well as fun activities, specially created by our Early Learning Educators.

essay on pet animals for class 2

For children 6 years and up, explore a world of STEAM learning, while engaging in project-based play to keep growing minds busy!

essay on pet animals for class 2

Build a love for reading through engaging book sets and get the latest in brain-boosting toys, recommended by the educators at FirstCry Intellitots.

essay on pet animals for class 2

Our Comprehensive 2-year Baby Brain Development Program brings to you doctor-approved toys for your baby`s developing brain.

essay on pet animals for class 2

Our Preschool Chain offers the best in education across India, for children ages 2 and up.

©2024 All rights reserved

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

essay on pet animals for class 2

Welcome to the world of Intelli!

We have some FREE Activity E-books waiting for you. Fill in your details below so we can send you tailor- made activities for you and your little one.

Parent/Guardian's Name

Child's DOB

What would you like to receive other than your Free E-book? I would like information, discounts and offers on toys, books and products I want to find a FirstCry Intellitots Preschool near me I want access to resources for my child's development and/or education

lead from image

Welcome to the world of intelli!

FREE guides and worksheets coming your way on whatsapp. Subscribe Below !!

email sent

THANK YOU!!!

Here are your free guides and worksheets.

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

A Plus Topper

Improve your Grades

Essay on My Pet Animal | My Pet Animal Essay for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Veerendra

Essay on My Pet Animal: Pets are unique and the most adorable creatures on the planet. Pets love us and give us the company. Owning a pet comes with various responsibilities, and it is a fantastic way of learning how to take care of somebody.

Pets are beautiful and loyal. There have been many instances where pets have acted as protectors of their masters. Watchdogs like German Shepherds are excellent guards for families.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

In this article, we have provided an extended essay on the topic of my pet animal and a brief essay on the same problem, in English. We have also provided ten lines on the topic to help students write essays on this topic in their examinations.

Long And Short Essay on My Pet Animal for Kids and Students in English

Given below is an extended essay composed of 500 words and a short essay comprising 100-150 words, in English.

Long Essay on My Pet Animal in English 500 words

Pets are not merely animals living with us. They become a part of our family because of the sheer comfort we get from them. I have always wanted a pet and last summer my mother bought me a puppy. He was the most adorable and beautiful puppy I had ever seen, and taking care of him became my responsibility. It was a suitable breed and had soft paws, which was a sign of expensive breeding. We decided to name our new golden retriever, Comet.

Comet had golden fur and long ears. His eyes were always joyful, and he was a bundle of joy. His golden coat shone in the sunlight as he ran about in our lawn. He loved eating roasted chicken and his dog food. At night, he would cuddle up in my bed, next to me, and go to sleep.

My father had created a small sleeping area for Comet, but he never slept there. He loved sleeping next to me at night. Comet was an active dog. He loved to go on walks, and we took him to the field twice a day. He became very popular among my friends, and they adored him.

Dogs are the most faithful animals, and Comet was no different. He knew all of us by our smell. Comet loved my mother very much, and when she would come home after work, Comet would jump on her and lick her face. All he wanted to be a little pat on the head. My mother would scratch his neck lovingly, and Comet would bask in all that attention he got.

He was a favorite in the family. We treated him like any other member and took him everywhere we went. We occasionally went on road trips, and Comet loved to ride the car. He would bark joyously when the wind ruffled his fur and enjoy the warm sunlight.

Find other Animal Essay topics .

Comet was extremely protective of my little brother. He had met him when he was barely two months old, and they had developed a connection. Comet would guard Jess when he slept and would not let anybody touch him. Initially, my mother was apprehensive of allowing a dog to get close to Jess, but when she saw how caring Comet was towards Jess, she did not stop him.

Jess was never afraid of Comet. We would put him on Comet’s back, and Comet would carry him around the house. Both of them would be so happy, Jess would laugh lusciously, and Comet would bark with happiness. Jess would stroke his fur and pet him, and Comet would cuddle up next to his crib.

Caring for a pet becomes difficult. We must take care of them and make sure they visit the vet regularly. We must look out for ticks and other skin infections. Maintaining a pet comes with many responsibilities, and we must fulfill them and do what is best for our pets.

Short Essay on My Pet Animal in English 150 words

Taking care of pets is a difficult and time-consuming job and must be done with dedication and love. We must know when to take them to vets and how to take care of them.

My family has always loved pets, and we are very careful about his health. He bathes once a week because too much water is not suitable for his fur. He does not like brushing his teeth, and we have to tempt him with a piece of roasted chicken so that he lets us brush his teeth.

Our dog visits the vet once a month, and he is always rewarded with his favorite food afterward. We make sure he takes his vaccines on time and eats his meals. A healthy pet is essential for the house, and we love to take care of our dog.

10 Lines Essay on My Pet Animal in English

  • Pets are like family members and should be well taken care of.
  • One should not possibly think of getting a pet unless he/she is truly passionate about animals.
  • Pets are beautiful creatures that give us company and love us.
  • My pet animal is a cat, and I love to play with it. She is very intelligent and loves to sit in her favorite chair.
  • I take my pet to the vet regularly so that I can get her to take crucial vaccines.
  • We should give proper food to our pets and make sure that they eat them. It is not advisable to give them oily foods or foods with high spice content.
  • Dogs should be given boiled food without spices, and they must be trained so that they are not harmful to anybody.
  • For birds and small animals, we should give them food and water in their cages and also clean their cages.
  • Pets are adorable, and they must not be hit or hurt in any way.
  • A healthy pet loves its owners and is faithful and loyal to them.

Frequently Asked Questions on My Pet Animal Essay

Question 1. How are dogs as pets?

Answer: Dogs are very faithful pets, and they are a favorite among children. They are fiercely protective and make great pets.

Question 2. Where shall we keep our pets when we go on vacation?

Answer: Most people leave their pets with trainers or caretakers when they go on vacation. Some people also leave their pets with their friends and relatives.

Question 3. What kind of food should we give to dogs?

Answer: Dogs are delicate and must be fed proper food. It is best to give them boiled food with no oil content and very minimum spices.

Question 4. Is it safe to adopt pets if there is a baby in the family?

Answer: Pets are usually very protective of babies and do not harm them. Thus, there is no cause for apprehension.

  • Picture Dictionary
  • English Speech
  • English Slogans
  • English Letter Writing
  • English Essay Writing
  • English Textbook Answers
  • Types of Certificates
  • ICSE Solutions
  • Selina ICSE Solutions
  • ML Aggarwal Solutions
  • HSSLive Plus One
  • HSSLive Plus Two
  • Kerala SSLC
  • Distance Education

My Pet Essay

500 words essay on my pet.

Pets are a blessing that only lucky people get to have. I have been lucky enough to have many pets since my childhood. My pet is a cat whom we call Mingi. It is white and grey in colour. Mingi is 3 years old and has been with me ever since she was born. Through my pet essay, I will make you learn all about Mingi and why it is so dear to me.

my pet essay

How Mingi Became My Pet Essay

Mingi has short hair and also a glossy coat. It is a female and love to have milk and chicken. Sometimes, I treat it with fish as it loves the taste of tuna. Moreover, Mingi is a very loving pet that stays with me at all times.

Ever since I was little, I liked cats. I love how clean and majestic they are. Although, there were no plans to keep a pet cat. My mother did not allow me as she would end up doing all the work for the pet.

However, she used to keep a bowl of fresh water in our garden to ensure no birds or animals remain thirsty during the summer season. A lot of pigeons and sparrows come to my garden to quench their thirst.

One fine day, a cat came to drink the water. It started coming regularly afterwards and gave birth to kittens in our garden. My mother gave them food as well and some milk every day.

However, one day all of them were gone except for a little kitten. I started to feed it regularly and became close to it. As the mother did not return, I decided to keep it as my pet.

After taking permission from my mother, I finally got to keep Mingi by promising to bear its responsibility. Ever since Mingi has been in my life. It was so little but now has grown into a big and beautiful cat.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

A Clean Pet

Cats are one of the cleanest pets that do not require a lot of effort to maintain. I hardly have to worry about Mingi being dirty as it cleans itself regularly. I conduct a bathing session every month with my mother.

It is not easy but Mingi is now used to it. We also comb Mingi’s coat twice a week so no dead hair remains and her hygiene is intact. Moreover, it may sound rare but we also brush Mingi’s teeth every week.

During winters , Mingi gets cold so we have got her a warm coat to protect her from the cold. Mingi remains indoors mostly and never dirties our house. Ever since it was little, she knew where to relieve herself so she’s always been low maintenance and love.

Conclusion Of My Pet Essay

All in all, Mingi has been a blessing that happened by chance. However, she is now an inseparable part of my life. I love spending time with her and she manages to make my saddest days happier.

FAQ on My Pet Essay

Question 1: Why are pets important?

Answer 1: Pets like cats and dogs can reduce the stress and anxiety of a person. Moreover, they also help to ease loneliness and reduce depression. Children become more secure and active when they care for animals .

Question 2: What do pets need?

Answer 2: Pets needs food, water, shelter, exercise, and socializing. It is essential to give your pet all this so they can lead a comfortable and happy life.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

tutor

  • Travelling Essay
  • Picnic Essay
  • Our Country Essay
  • My Parents Essay
  • Essay on Favourite Personality
  • Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
  • Essay on Knowledge is Power
  • Essay on Gurpurab
  • Essay on My Favourite Season
  • Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Google Play

CbseAcademic.in

Essay on Pet Animals 500+ Words

Pet animals, whether they have fur, feathers, or scales, bring immeasurable joy and companionship to our lives. In this essay, we will explore the many reasons why having pet animals is a wonderful experience, from the happiness they bring to the valuable life lessons they teach us.

Companionship and Emotional Support

Pet animals are like friends who are always there for us. They offer unconditional love and companionship, helping us feel less lonely. According to experts, spending time with pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting emotional well-being.

Teaching Responsibility

Having a pet animal comes with responsibilities, such as feeding, grooming, and providing a safe environment. These tasks teach us valuable life skills and responsibility. For example, making sure our pet has clean water and nutritious food is similar to taking care of ourselves.

Building Empathy and Compassion

Caring for pet animals helps us develop empathy and compassion. When we see their needs and feelings, we learn to treat others with kindness and understanding. Experts believe that this empathy can extend to our relationships with other people.

Physical Activity and Exercise

Pet animals often require physical activity and exercise, like walks or playtime. This encourages us to be active and enjoy the outdoors. Statistics show that pet owners tend to be more physically active, which can lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Reducing Stress

Spending time with pet animals can have a calming effect on us. Experts say that interacting with pets can lower our stress levels by reducing the production of stress hormones. This can be especially helpful during challenging times.

Teaching Patience and Communication

Pets can’t speak our language, so we must learn to communicate with them through cues and body language. This teaches us patience and the importance of clear communication. These skills can be valuable in our interactions with people, too.

Sense of Purpose

Having a pet animal gives us a sense of purpose. We must care for their needs, and in return, they give us love and companionship. This sense of purpose can boost our self-esteem and overall happiness.

Lifelong Friendships

Pet animals often become lifelong friends. They are there for us during good times and bad, offering comfort and support. Many people have fond memories of their childhood pets, proving that these friendships can last a lifetime.

Conclusion of Essay on Pet Animals

In conclusion, pet animals are more than just cute and cuddly companions; they are teachers, friends, and sources of joy. They provide emotional support, teach us responsibility and empathy, encourage physical activity, reduce stress, and offer a sense of purpose. The bond between humans and pet animals is a special one, filled with love, understanding, and lifelong memories. As we care for them, they care for us, creating a harmonious relationship that enriches our lives in countless ways. Having pet animals is not just a choice; it’s an opportunity to experience the beauty of unconditional love and companionship, making our lives brighter and more meaningful.

Also Check: Simple Guide on How To Write An Essay

IMAGES

  1. Essay on My Pet Animal

    essay on pet animals for class 2

  2. Essay on My Pet Dog

    essay on pet animals for class 2

  3. Essay on My Pet Animal

    essay on pet animals for class 2

  4. Essay on My Pet Animal

    essay on pet animals for class 2

  5. Essay On My Pet

    essay on pet animals for class 2

  6. How to write an essay about my pet parrot ? || My pet Parrot || My pet || paragraph writing

    essay on pet animals for class 2

COMMENTS

  1. My Pet Essay for Class 2 | Simple 10 Lines Essay - BYJU'S

    Explore “My Pet Essay for Class 2” that will help kids to refer to it and write my pet animal essay in simple words. You can download the essay PDF for free here.

  2. Essay on My Pet (in English) for Classes 1, 2 & 3: 10 Lines ...

    Here is a sample of an essay on ‘My Pet’ for Class-2 students: A pet is like a family member. Having a pet is more like looking after a child, but pets cannot speak.

  3. Essay on Cat in English for Classes 1-3: 10 Lines, Short ...

    When writing a generic essay about cats, discuss their habits, food preferences, instincts, and general nature. Long-form essays should have introductory and concluding sentences/paragraphs. A good essay can balance information about your cat’s behaviour and nature.

  4. Animal Essay for Students and Children | 500 Words Essay - Toppr

    500 Words Essay on Animal. Animals carry a lot of importance in our lives. They offer humans with food and many other things. For instance, we consume meat, eggs, dairy products. Further, we use animals as a pet too.

  5. Essay on Dog in English for Class 1, 2 & 3: 10 Lines, Short ...

    An essay on the dog for classes 1, 2 and 3 can cover facts such as the lineage of dogs, their physical attributes, behaviours and how they are loved by everyone. You can also add points about your own pet dog to write a compelling essay!

  6. Essay on My Pet Dog for Students and Children - Toppr

    Q.1 What are some common pet animals? A.1 Some of the most common pet animals are dogs, cats, parrots, hamsters, rabbits, turtles and more. Q.2 Why should one own a pet dog? A.2 We can learn a great deal from our pet dogs. They teach us loyalty, compassion, courage, and obedience.

  7. Essay on My Pet Animal - A Plus Topper

    Frequently Asked Questions on My Pet Animal Essay. Question 1. How are dogs as pets? Answer: Dogs are very faithful pets, and they are a favorite among children. They are fiercely protective and make great pets. Question 2. Where shall we keep our pets when we go on vacation? Answer:

  8. My Pet Essay for Students and Children | 500 Words Essay - Toppr

    Question 2: What do pets need? Answer 2: Pets needs food, water, shelter, exercise, and socializing. It is essential to give your pet all this so they can lead a comfortable and happy life.

  9. My Pet Essay in English for Class 2 - Byju's

    My Pet Essay in English for Class 2 • I have a pet dog and her name is Dolly. She is of Pomeranian dog breed. • She is 2 years old and tiny in size. • She has a white furry coat and looks like a toy. • She loves our family members and barks whenever she sees strangers around.

  10. Essay on Pet Animals 500+ Words - CBSE Academic

    Pet animals, whether they have fur, feathers, or scales, bring immeasurable joy and companionship to our lives. In this essay, we will explore the many reasons why having pet animals is a wonderful experience, from the happiness they bring to the valuable life lessons they teach us.