We got a puppy a few months into the pandemic from a local shelter, and with young kids, it's been really great for the whole family. When the weather is nice,

We got a puppy a few months into the pandemic from a local shelter, and with young kids, it's been really great for the whole family. When the weather is nice, I take her on walks of a few miles, and it's completely different from going on walks alone. It means there's someone to talk to and teach about how to behave, how to leave other people and animals alone, and just generally how to be a good walking companion that keeps you company. A dog will also motivate you to walk (sometimes physically, by nudging you to the door or bringing you their leash).