Puppies and Children (a lesson in worth)

This past week, I had the opportunity to chaperon a camp at our local dog shelter. I was in charge of looking after four kids, around the ages of 12, for about three hours a day. Easiest assignment ever, right?
The first two days were actually highly enjoyable. I do love cats and had the opportunity to play with them every day, a rare treat since most of my family is extremely allergic. By the third day, however, I began to dread the camp. I missed my kids. I missed my classroom. I missed teaching lessons. Even with all the ups and downs of this past summer, I love my job. It is so fulfilling and wonderful. Those precious children always put a smile on my face. They help define my worth. At the animal camp, the staff always stressed the importance of making new pets feel like part of the family, to never call yourself an "owner" but instead a "pet handler".  Now, I love my dog, but I'm also her owner. My family bought her and she is an animal, therefore, we are her owners.
What about an animal gives it worth? Animals can be loyal, shy, energetic, etc. But what trait says, "Hey! I'm worthy of your affection!" The answer to that question depends on where you find worth. For me, I gather a great deal of worth from my work. My kids depend on me for creativity, learning, exploration, and excitement. I am worth something to them- they find worth in me because of what I do for them.
This past week taught me that I do not find as much joy in animals as I do kids (kids say the funniest things, something animals will never be able to do). And I also discovered that I right were I am meant to be: working with kids, not puppies. The reward is worth so much more.