I told my youngest son James I was going to mark a good deed on his library Summer Reading log. He was confused.

We had just returned from our second time volunteering with a search and rescue dog group. Our job is fun! We play hide and seek with dogs. We hide, and they seek.

We have a great time. We love dogs, and once we are located, James gets to show the dogs love and give them treats. You can see why he doesn’t see it as doing good. But we are.

The dogs search for adults and children, both alive and deceased. The practice sessions keep their skills sharp. We enjoy helping the dogs.

Maybe that’s why James didn’t see it as doing good. Because it’s good for him, too.

To me, this is the best way to teach James to do good, to help others.

The next time the dogs meet, James will be at his dad’s. James’ first response was “Can the dogs meet on a different day?” Sorry, no. Then he asked me to take lots of photos. That showed some maturity, and I am glad of that as well. Maturity is not something he learned so much from his parents, unfortunately.

Happiness and doing good can and should go hand in hand. I am glad to have the opportunity to do good with James, and show him the value of helping.