When I was a kid, I recall desperately wanting a puppy for Christmas. It didn’t matter that we already had a dog, several fish and [eventually] a hermit crab. I wanted to be greeted by a cuddly, fluffy little puppy on Christmas morning.
It sounded like a good idea, anyway.
Thankfully, my parents had more common sense than to actually get me everything on my wish list, and I never received anything more than lots and lots of stuffed puppies…and one robot puppy that I could walk on my own.
The other day I saw a bumper sticker that really resonated with me: “Pets aren’t just for Christmas” and it really hit home. What happens after that cute ‘puppymoon’ phase is over…when the realization that pet ownership is a huge responsibility…one that they may not have been prepared for?
A person should elect to take on this kind of responsibility, not be forced into it.
The idea of giving a cute little puppy/kitty shouldn’t outweigh the fact that pets are an enormous responsibility. Now, as a pet owner myself, I understand why I never got that puppy.
My dog, Oscar, is an awesome little guy who I wouldn’t part with for anything-- but boy, is he a lot of work!
This holiday, please think twice before giving a pet as a gift. Shelters like Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary (www.safehavenohio.com) are filled with wonderful, adoptable pets…for people who ready to give them a loving home.
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