I think all kids need a dog while growing up, but for many families, that’s not a reality due to economics, lifestyles and living arrangements.

Brian and Jill Taylor of North Port thought the same thing for their two boys, Aiden and Evan, and their 3-year-old daughter Abby. They did the research, applied online for a young Lab with Labrador Rescue of Florida (www.labrescuefl.org), had a home study done and they were good to go. They just had to find the right dog.