Is it advisable to get a dog when children are around the age of 3? How do pets help to enhance a child's growth?

I remember having a pet named Snoopy since the age of 9. Having him was the best thing that could have happened to me in my growing up stages... I used to take him for a walk every evening. Besides, he used to sit next to me when I was studying. If ever I called out to mum or anyone at home for something and they didn't respond, he would run where they were and start barking looking in the direction of my room. A sibling in the true sense he would bark at mum when she used to scold me, come and put his paw on my hand when I was low and crying. His absence is something I feel till date. Pets are a absolute YES!!!!