It's that time of the year where puppies and kittens are the most sought after "gift" for Christmas and most of the time, they are the last minute gifts from the "free to good home" classifieds pages. Listen, animals should NEVER be considered a gift nor should they be given to people as a surprise. If your two or five year old begs and begs for a puppy, PLEASE give them a stuffed animal and tell them to take care of it. Too many young animals are given as gifts and a couple months later they're thrown away like garbage. Shelters and rescues spill over with animals around January and February because that adorable "gift" you got for your kids just chewed up your favorite pair of shoes or it ate the television remote. More times than not, the kids become bored with the new pet and it becomes the forgotten toy in the toy box, or in this case the backyard because parents don't have time for it either. If you are thinking about gifting a pet to someone for Christmas, just don't. Until the child is responsible enough to accept and can handle the everyday responsibilities (such as feeding, clean up, walking, training, etc.), then they do not need a puppy or kitten. Also, EVERYONE in the household should be on board with a new pet in the home, including the pets who are already in the home. Do not surprise anyone with a pet. It never ends well for the animal.
Pets are for life, not until you or your child get bored with them.
One animal (stuffed with fluff) is meant for a Christmas gift and one (living, breathing) is not. Know the difference!
