No Pets for Christmas!
Should you give a pet as a present for Christmas? Contrary to the warm, fuzzy feeling it gives you inside to think of giving a gift of a puppy, kitty, bunny, or hamster, the answer is NO. I know all too well how it is when your children are begging you for a pet because one of their friends got one. They promise to do everything the pet needs and to love it until the end of time. Then there is reality! The 10 year old grows to be 16 and now has basketball, girls and friends to take up all of his time and the once adored puppy is left behind. This is just one scenario that happens all too often. Be a responsible parent and RESIST THE TEMPTATION. Giving children a video or book on pet care can prepare them for what is needed to have a pet. If they still believe that they can care for a pet, you may want to plan to adopt one after the holidays. The holidays are busy for everyone. Sometimes we are away from home for long periods of time or have a house full of family and friends. Bringing home a new pet on Christmas Day can mean you either ignore your guests or the new pet, which can lead to a mess, injury or even a lost pet!
In many homes, Christmas means guests in every bed, erratic hours, children distracted by relatives, lights, gifts and more. A home buzzing with all the joys of this special time of year is no place for a new pet! The young animal will not get the attention it deserves and may suffer a great deal of accidental harm as well. Pets can get themselves in trouble in the blink of an eye with everything from chocolates left on low tables to the cords from electric light sets. If the pet decides to run to the door with you, it could get trampled underfoot or even sneak out the door.
All pets need time to adjust, and those first few days in a new home are critical. Pets can get scared by your guests and their loud Christmas cheer. They can get overstimulated by excited children who will not leave them alone. Also, it is hard to house train a puppy when your home is filled with guests. Time can get away quickly and you may forget to take the new puppy outside to go to the bathroom. All it takes one second of distraction for your new pet to leave a “present” of their own for you on the rug.
Resist the urge to surprise a loved one with a living creature, whether a dog, cat, gerbil or parakeet. Pet ownership is a serious commitment that will extend over a long period of time. It is not something to impose on someone without their informed, advance consent. Sometimes a gift card is a better choice than the pet itself. All the large chain pet stores and many of the local mom-and-pop shops can issue a gift certificate or gift card, and your loved one can make their own choice after some careful research.
If the person you are shopping for is an animal lover, but isn’t quite ready to handle a real pet, consider giving them an ‘adopted’ pet from one of the national rescue organizations or zoos. At most zoo websites, resident animals can be ‘adopted’ on an annual basis. Usually, these ‘adoptions’ come with a package containing a photograph of the animal, information on its habitat and often, a keepsake to memorialize the experience like a hat, mug or toy. If your son has always wanted to be a marine biologist, he will be thrilled when you ‘adopt’ a manatee for him from www.savethemanatee.org. The bird-lover in your family will enjoy a year of sponsoring a raptor at www.adoptabird.org . Surely everyone on your list will enjoy an elephant (or a herd of them!), available for ‘adoption’ at www.defenders.org.
By all means, give your children the pet they desire if you think they are ready for the responsibility – but not until AFTER Christmas. If your family has already determined precisely what pet is right for them, contact the breeder or shelter of your choice and arrange for a gift card, or a photo of puppy or kitten being held for your family. Bring the animal home when life has returned to normal after the holidays. If you have any questions, or need any tips on looking for a new pet, please contact Ash Veterinary Clinic and Emergency Center in Carleton, MI at 734-782-2827.
