| Can't think of the perfect gift for your animal-loving | | | | truly wants an animal before giving a gift certificate, as |
| friend or family member? How about a new cat or | | | | they may not be refundable. Offer to take your friend |
| dog? How about, no way! Pets should be chosen by | | | | to one of these places if transportation is an issue. |
| the recipient, when they are ready to adopt one. Dogs | | | | Other ideas could include gift certificates to training |
| and cats are not objects that can be gift-wrapped, | | | | classes, groomers or veterinarians. Give gifts of books |
| and handed over to someone. | | | | or videos. If the pet is to be for the family, wrap up a |
| Giving a dog or cat to a child in the same manner you | | | | stuffed version, with a card that promises an outing to |
| would give a book or a doll can give them the wrong | | | | your local shelter on a date after the holidays. |
| idea about that animal's worth. While other gifts may | | | | Unless you are planning a very quiet one, holidays are |
| be returned or exchanged if they are not right, a pet is | | | | not the best time to bring a new pet into the home. |
| not a toy, not an article of clothing or decorative | | | | There is usually a lot of activity in the home, and stress |
| object. Toys are often forgotten in the weeks after | | | | levels may be high. It is difficult to give the pet the |
| the holiday, things are misplaced. It's fine to buy a dog | | | | attention it needs. There may be more noise and |
| or cat for your child, but make it a family event, and do | | | | people in the house than usual, which can be stressful |
| not tell the child it is a "gift". | | | | and confusing for the animal. |
| The person you want to give an animal to has to be | | | | Doors may be opening often, and a frightened animal |
| ready to make a commitment to the care of that | | | | could easily escape. There also may be additional |
| animal. The potential new owner should be able to | | | | hazards in the house, such as Christmas trees and |
| choose the animal that they are going to commit | | | | decorations, ribbon bedecked packages, lit candles and |
| themselves to. An animal is a living, feeling creature, | | | | an abundance of food on counters and tables. After |
| and cannot be abandoned when one gets bored of it. | | | | the holidays, when there are two to three quiet days |
| All too often the attraction fades as the adorable | | | | with at least one person home all day is the best time |
| puppy or kitten grows into an adult animal. | | | | to get your new pet. If your new pet is a puppy, it will |
| Rather than purchase the animal outright, why not | | | | need to be housebroken. That will be much easier if |
| come up with a creative way to help the person with | | | | you can be giving the dog your total attention. You |
| the choice and/or purchase of his new pet? For | | | | also have a better chance of bonding with your new |
| example, you can give any of the necessary and | | | | friend if there aren't a lot of other distractions for both |
| useful accessories and gear that the new pet owner | | | | of you. |
| will need. | | | | Getting a pet is an exciting event, but since anticipation |
| Create or purchase a gift certificate to an animal | | | | can be just as sweet, the promise of the gift to come |
| shelter, rescue group or breeder. Be sure the person | | | | will be just as welcome. |