I've been terrified of dogs for my whole life. My kids love them, so I overcame my fear — now, we have a Havanese.

The author (not shown) said that before she had her own dog, she would often avoid other dogs. Olga Serba/Getty Images I've had a lifelong fear of dogs. Even looking at a photo of one could make me feel uncomfortable. My kids, on the other hand, loved dogs and begged me to add one to our family. I worked to overcome my fear so my kids could have the pet they'd always dreamed of. "Isn't he the cutest?" my college roommate said, showing me an image of a Doberman peeking over a fence. "My pare...