From wagging tails at the gate to snuggles after school, dogs make ordinary days magical. For some children, they are surprise birthday gifts; for others, brave protectors or mischievous travel buddies. What shines through every story is unconditional love — lessons of patience, courage, and joy wrapped in fur.
This International Dog Day, Deccan Herald in Education (DHIE) spoke to students about their furry companions — and here’s what they had to say.
Every moment I spend with my dog Buddy is a happy one. But there are a few special memories, like the first time he climbed the stairs, his birthday celebrations when I decorated him with accessories, his training sessions, his cuddling time, and our road trips together. I also remember him feeling jealous whenever I played with other dogs. We even celebrated Raksha Bandhan together. The funniest memory, though, is when he visits the vet — he refuses to get down from the car, and I can’t stop laughing at his drama. One life lesson I have learned from Buddy is the meaning of being selfless. I imagine how beautiful the world would be if people were as selfless as dogs.
Aditi Sharanabasappa Malipatil,
Class 8,
Sanganabasava Shishuniketan School
My dog’s name is Leo. He is a Labrador Retriever, and I got him when I was six years old as a birthday gift. From that day, he has been my best friend. Leo is very brave and intelligent, and we have taught him many cool tricks, which he enjoys showing off. One of my most memorable moments with him was during a walk. We suddenly came across a ferocious dog. Without thinking twice, Leo stood in between to protect our other dog, a Shih Tzu, and kept her safe. Watching him made me realise how fearless and protective he is. From Leo, I have learned what it means to be brave and fearless, and also what it means to care for others. He inspires me every day to stand up for the ones I love.
Darsh Bhatnagar,
Class 7,
The Green School, Bengaluru
My dog Sona was a surprise gift for me, and his name means gold in Hindi. In our family, we believe everything that comes into our home is as precious as gold, and Sona is no exception. Sona is also a naughty fellow, which makes him even more lovable. Compared to humans, I believe my dog is more special. He is patient and calm. Even when we cannot give him food on time, he waits patiently. From Sona, I have learned to enjoy every single moment. Every moment I spend with him feels valuable, and I treasure it deeply.
Dhanvi G,
Class 9,
Wisdom Educational Institution
The happiest memory with my dog Buzo was the evening I first got him. I was not expecting a dog at all, since my mother didn’t want one. But then I noticed a little brown basket in the living room. When I opened it, I saw a tiny beagle inside, his tail wagging and his big eyes full of excitement and curiosity. My heart leapt with joy. I was ecstatic and on the verge of tears — it remains one of the happiest memories with my dog. One life lesson Buzo has taught me is to always be happy and to love those around you.
Nishka Sreejith,
Class 8,
Sophia High School
My dog’s name is Belli, which means silver in Kannada. I gave her this name because her off-white colour reminds me of silver. She is very cute, understands everything, and always obeys me. I love travelling with her and spending time together. Whenever my parents scold me, I feel upset, but Belli immediately comes and sits by my side. If they pretend to beat me, she jumps in between us and protects me. From her, I have learned to be brave and to always stand up for the ones you love.
Yathiraj M,
Class 8,
Rotary Midtown Academy
My Shih Tzu, Brownie, behaves just like a human being. He understands everything we say and even gives us a cute shake-paw. Whenever my dad takes out the scooty, Brownie runs and sits on the pillion seat and refuses to get down. Whenever I return from school, he is the first to greet me with a hug. From him, I have learned to be fearless. He puts a smile on my face, sleeps beside me, and even eats with me whenever I have my food.
Ankitha A S,
Class 9
Best School, Ballari
My Beagle, Lucky Tyson, first came into my life on my birthday. When I held him in my hands for the first time, he was just a 14-day-old puppy. Since then, every day with him has been a memory to cherish. I feel truly lucky to have him in my life. He is a foodie who wags his tail whenever we cook his favourite dish. He is also naughty — he grabs mobiles and runs away — and very much an attention seeker. From him, I have learned how to be patient. The way he connects with me is the way I connect with my friends. We often go out on walks together — me, my dog, and my parents — and those walks have become a special bonding experience for all of us.
Theertha S,
Class 8,
Jubilee English High School
My dog is named Bhairava, after a God who is fearless. Before him, we had another dog called Rocky, who sadly passed away. When Bhairava came into our lives, we gave him this godly name because we never wanted to lose him. Bhairava even looks just like Rocky, but he is cuter and smarter, and in many ways I feel like I see my old dog in him. He especially loves my mom unconditionally. Even when she scolds him for being mischievous, his love never changes. From Bhairava, I have learned how to love my mom in the same unconditional way. The love I share for her cannot be measured.
Punya V,
Class 9,
Shastry Public School
My Husky, Babblu, came to me as a complete surprise. When my Shih Tzu, Oreo, passed away, I was very depressed. About six months later, my family brought home a carton wrapped like a gift. I had no idea what was inside until I opened it — and there was Babblu. He is super friendly, extremely obedient, and has thick, beautiful fur. We often play ball together, and he always makes me happy. One special thing about him is that whenever he goes out, he never barks. He stays calm and composed, which has taught me something important — that even with strangers, it is better to remain calm and peaceful.
Bharath Kumar R,
Class 10,
Modern English School
My dog’s name is Ruby. She is very cute, active, and loves to play with us. I am the one who usually takes her for walks, and if she wants to go out, she comes and barks at me. Ruby even has her own kennel and her own bed. When I come back from school, I play catch with her, and sometimes I even cook for her. She listens to me and enjoys spending time together. Because of Ruby, I have also become more active — walking and playing with her keeps me energetic. She is actually helping me with my fitness, and I am truly thankful for that.
Chirag Gowda B,
Class 9,
Silicon City Academy of Secondary Education
I have spent many happy moments with my dog Paddy, but one of the best was when he first started responding to what we said. It almost felt like he was talking back to us! He even has different tones — one for asking for food and another for when he has a complaint about his friends. From Paddy, I have learned never to let your siblings or friends down. He always stands by them, no matter what — whether it is fighting off other dogs or animals that attack his friends or owner, or staying put and sharing the food they have hunted.
Gagana Yeshwanth,
Class 9,
SMS Academy of Central Education
My dog’s name is Coco. She is crazy about going for walks and loves eating eggs. She doesn’t like to sleep alone and always wants to travel with us in the car. If we leave her with someone else, she gets upset and refuses to talk to us, so we make sure she comes along wherever we go. Coco is not lazy at all — in fact, I think humans are the lazy ones! She is very active, always full of energy, and makes me energetic too. That is the most important lesson I have learned from her.
Mayank Singh,
Class 9,
Seshadripuram Public School
Through patience, bravery, selflessness, and pure joy, students showed us that dogs are the greatest teachers in disguise. This International Dog Day, one thing is clear — every wag tells a story of love.