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In
general, dogs as Christmas presents are a very bad idea. Both for the dog, and
for the person receiving the dog. Adopting an animal into the family is very
much like having a child. You would not just hand someone a baby for Christmas!
Christmas is a time when families get together. There is a lot of joyful chaos
and people rushing here and there with many things to do. In all this, it is
very easy to forget the puppy needs a walk, or there is a tiny kitten underfoot
who is constantly getting stepped on. In all the confusion new responsibilities
can easily be forgotten, such as walking or feeding the puppy.
Animals, and especially young animals, thrive on routine. They like to be fed at
a certain time and in a certain place, and often a certain food. Holidays can be
hard even on seasoned dogs as strangers invade their space and special occasions
disturb their daily routine.
For a
young animal, this bedlam, however cheerful, can make it seem like they’ve just
arrived in a very bad place. Their mother and the brothers and sisters they
know, the caretaker humans who are so familiar to them, all of them have somehow
disappeared and been replaced by a gang of strangers. All their familiar
routines are disrupted. They have to become accustomed to a new place to sleep,
a new food, new place to eat, a new time to eat, and, of course, when and where
they are allowed to go to the bathroom. How overwhelming this must be for a
young animal!
For
the person who receives the dog, and their family it can be equally difficult.
They may or may not have wanted the dog at all. It is not uncommon for a child
to beg for a dog that is inappropriate or that their family is unwilling or
unable to care for. If they get a puppy from Auntie for Christmas, by New Years
the puppy may find itself at the Animal Shelter waiting to die, or abandoned
somewhere to suffer a slower and more painful death. Never give a dog for
Christmas unless you are absolutely sure that the entire family, everyone living
in the home the dog is going to, welcomes the new addition.
With
the best intentions in the world, a child will beg for a dog and promise to care
for it. But children are not in complete control of their worlds or their time.
They are still exploring their likes and dislikes, and the puppy that was so
important to them last week may be forgotten this week. Playing and walking the
puppy might become too time consuming once soccer season begins. Children are
also not generally aware of the financial facts of life and dogs need vet care,
food, toys, shelter, and all of these things cost money. Money their parents may
or may not have to spare.
Another problem often occurs when someone other than the family chooses a dog.
Perhaps you like very hyper, happy dogs, but the family in question prefers a
nice, quiet animal. The puppy you would choose is a wonderful puppy – but not
the right puppy for them! Both the animal and the family will be unhappy. The
family is faced with dealing with a dog they do not like very much, or disposing
of him either by finding a more compatible home - or again, off to the Shelter
to die.
A
special note about ponies. Every horse person, every animal shelter, has seen
their share of the horrible misery that ponies endure at the hands of ignorant
or neglectful owners. Ponies, and horses, take a great deal more care than
smaller dogs. Just because someone has moved into a new home “with room for a
pony” does not mean that they have the knowledge and funds to care for such a
high maintenance animal.
For
the child who is begging for a pony, I suggest that you find a local stable that
gives riding lessons. The most responsible ones will also include horsemanship
in their training. That is, information about caring for a horse or pony. The
child will learn about shoeing, regular vet care, the importance of regular
feeding and many other things necessary for the well being of a horse or pony.
They will also learn just how much work is really involved! A gift certificate
for several months worth of riding lessons will allow the family involved to
find out just what they are getting into, and if their interest and finances are
up to it.
Perhaps you have considered all of these things, and know the family truly wants
a dog. Still, the holidays are a very chaotic time, a terrible time to make a
new family addition. Here is my suggestion. Instead of buying the puppy, kitten,
pony or ferret – purchase one of those wonderful small plush toy versions of the
animal. Pack it into a pretty package with a certificate you can draw up or
print on your computer that says “this little puppy is to hold the place in your
heart for the real puppy who will arrive (and a good date you have chosen after
consulting with the family)” After the holidays the entire family and the gift
giver can go together to chose the dog they desire. Then the family will gain a
new member who is completely compatible with them and their needs at a time when
they are best able to greet this new family addition and see to the animals
needs as well. |
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