| When we approach the holiday season, and are | | | | want the responsibility of pet ownership. |
| stumped for gift ideas, it's easy to think about giving a | | | | Additionally, every animal has its own personality. If a |
| dog as a gift. While the intention is always good, the | | | | pet is gifted to someone, the personality of pet and |
| outcome often isn't. | | | | new owner may clash, and in many cases, the |
| Every year, shelters across the nation receive | | | | relationship ends in failure because they are not well |
| thousands of post-holiday "gifts"...rabbits and chicks | | | | suited. Another common problem when owners don't |
| after Easter, dogs and cats after Christmas, swelling | | | | select their own pet is breed mismatches. Breeds |
| populations that are already too high. Retailers | | | | should be carefully researched by the owner to |
| significantly add to the problem by advertising pets as | | | | ensure that its exercise requirements and |
| presents. Who wouldn't be charmed by adorable | | | | temperament match the owner's lifestyle and energy |
| animals in their Christmas wrap and holiday bows? | | | | level. |
| Before you buy a pet as a gift, please consider the | | | | Dogs should not be introduced into a new home during |
| following: | | | | the holiday season. The first 2 weeks in a new home |
| Pet ownership is fraught with responsibility. There are | | | | are critical for the pet and they require the most time, |
| regular expenses such as food, medicine, veterinary | | | | attention and exposure to normal routine during this |
| and training expenses, and durable goods such as | | | | period. Normalcy is rarely found in households between |
| beds, collars, toys, etc. Once the recipient is gifted with | | | | Christmas and New Years (let alone spare time!) If |
| an animal, do they have the financial means to take | | | | you're giving the gift of a pet, we strongly encourage |
| care of them...for the next 13 years? | | | | you to give a photo for the holiday and bring the pet |
| Pets require a lot of time and attention. Dogs especially | | | | into the home after the holidays are over. |
| do not fare well when left alone frequently, and will | | | | If you think someone would like or would benefit from |
| quickly act out with destructive or attention-seeking | | | | bringing a pet into their lives, sit down with them and |
| behaviors. Does the recipient have time every single | | | | review the responsibilities of pet ownership. Help them |
| day to spend with the pet? Is this how they want to | | | | research breeds, which are suitable for their lifestyles. |
| spend their time? | | | | Going with a person to help pick out a new pet is very |
| There are physical demands on the pet owner as well. | | | | helpful and makes a great gift. Go with them to their |
| Dog trainers frequently see dogs that were "gifted" to | | | | local shelter to see if the breed they desire is there. |
| the elderly for companionship. Depending on the health | | | | Shelters often get "pure bred" dogs. You have then |
| of the recipient, these dogs may never be walked or | | | | given the gift of joy to the new pet owner and the gift |
| cared for in the ways required to ensure the pet's | | | | of life to the shelter animal. |
| mental and physical stability. Just because someone | | | | Happy Holidays! |
| has a lot of time on their hands, doesn't mean they | | | | © Paws in Training, Inc. |