Two dogs and a cat

There is proof now, people, that you should let your dog lick you on your face, no, I mean right on your lips.

According to a recent New York Times article by Jane Brody, we citizens of developed nations have become too sanitized, not allowing our children to ingest...umm...dirt...and, uhh... worms: there, I said it. Turns out, intestinal parasites are kind of a good thing (honest! read the article!) In fact, we are developing problems of the autoimmune system probably because we are just too fussy about being clean all the time. At last! My messy kitchen, unswept floors, and neglected tabletops are possibly keeping my family free from allergies and all other manner of health problems. My favorite part of the article came at the very end:

... “Children should be allowed to go barefoot in the dirt, play in the dirt, and not have to wash their hands when they come in to eat,” (Dr. Weinstock) said. He and Dr. Elliott pointed out that children who grow up on farms and are frequently exposed to worms and other organisms from farm animals are much less likely to develop allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Also helpful, he said, is to “let kids have two dogs and a cat,” which will expose them to intestinal worms that can promote a healthy immune system.

So when I occasionally ask myself "How did we end up with two dogs and a cat* anyway?" I can now answer myself: "Doctor's orders."

*Yes. There is a cat. More about him later.