| If you are planning to buy someone a pet for a | | | | Create or purchase a gift certificate to an animal |
| birthday, anniversary or other holiday, I hope you will | | | | shelter, rescue group or breeder. Be sure the person |
| reconsider, and here's why. Choosing the right animal | | | | truly wants an animal before giving a gift certificate, as |
| to become a life-long companion is a very personal | | | | they may not be refundable. Offer to take your friend |
| thing. There must be some kind of emotional bond or | | | | to one of these places if transportation is an issue. |
| attraction for the relationship to work. The purchase or | | | | Other ideas could include gift certificates to training |
| adoption of an animal should be undertaken with the | | | | classes, groomers or veterinarians. Give gifts of books |
| seriousness and consideration it deserves. | | | | or videos. Make a gift basket with a stuffed animal as |
| Giving a dog or cat to a child in the same manner you | | | | the centerpiece. |
| would give a book or a doll can give them the wrong | | | | Unless you are planning a very quiet one, holidays are |
| idea about that animal's worth. While other gifts may | | | | not the best time to bring a new pet into the home. |
| be returned or exchanged if they are not right, a pet is | | | | There is usually a lot of activity in the home, and stress |
| not a toy, not an article of clothing or decorative | | | | levels may be high. It is difficult to give the pet the |
| object. Toys are often forgotten in the weeks after | | | | attention it needs. Visitors may be coming and going, all |
| the holiday, things are misplaced. It's fine to buy a dog | | | | the noise and stimulation might be too much for the |
| or cat for your child, but make it a family event, and do | | | | dog or cat. |
| not tell the child it is a "gift". | | | | Doors may be opening often, and a frightened animal |
| The person you want to give an animal to has to be | | | | could easily escape. There also may be additional |
| ready to make a commitment to the care of that | | | | hazards in the house, such as Christmas trees and |
| animal. The new owner will know instinctively when he | | | | decorations, ribbon bedecked packages, lit candles and |
| or she has found the right animal. A pet needs care | | | | an abundance of food on counters and tables. After |
| and attention, and cannot simply be tossed aside when | | | | the holidays, when there are two to three quiet days |
| the newness wears off. All too often the attraction | | | | with at least one person home all day is the best time |
| fades as the adorable puppy or kitten grows into an | | | | to get your new pet. If your new pet is a puppy, it will |
| adult animal. | | | | need to be housebroken. That will be much easier if |
| Rather than purchase the animal outright, why not | | | | you can be giving the dog your total attention. Quiet |
| come up with a creative way to help the person with | | | | time alone will make bonding with your new pet go |
| the choice and/or purchase of his new pet? For | | | | more smoothly. |
| example, you can give any of the necessary and | | | | Getting a pet is an exciting event, but since anticipation |
| useful accessories and gear that the new pet owner | | | | can be just as sweet, the promise of the gift to come |
| will need. | | | | will be just as welcome. |