The retail push is ON, and ads everywhere are enticing people to spend, spend, spend. Though buying gifts for people because we feel we must appears to be the norm at this time of year, one gift that should NOT ever be given to anyone is an animal.
Kids are especially influenced by friends or movies to ask Santa for a pet. In fact, a recent trailer for the movie Santa Buddies features a puppy in a Santa hat, inside of a gift box saying “who doesn’t want a puppy for Christmas?” The answer is “NO ONE.”
DO NOT GIVE AN ANIMAL AS A GIFT!
Choosing a furry companion is as personal as buying underwear or shoes, so if you do decide this is the right time to get a family pet, make sure to take along the entire family. Once a choice is made, this includes introducing existing animals to meet the prospective addition. All humans might adore the selection, but should current pets not agree, another choice should be made.
First and foremost though, consider your lifestyle. How much time is available out of your day to devote to the new family member? How active are you? Who will walk the dog and for how long? Who will brush the cat and clean the box? If the new animal is for a child, is the child old enough to take on these responsibilities, and if they don’t keep their end of the bargain, are you prepared to step up? If you don’t want to brush your pet daily, don’t choose a long haired animal.
People normally choose an animal because they are drawn to a certain breed, or because it’s cute, but activity and energy level is important in the decision making process. For instance, if you lead a sedentary life you should steer clear of Brittany Spaniels, Dalmatians, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Shepherds, and Samoyed’s. These breeds are NOT known for being child tolerant either. In general, working, racing, and hunting dogs require a lot of exercise and this is a key component when choosing a breed. And know that both the tiny Papillion and large Rottweiler require the same level of exercise, so big or small, each breed has different needs.
Do you have the income necessary to feed and care for your furry addition? A simple visit to the vet can add up to several hundred dollars. And if you have a baby after you’ve had your pet for a while, will you still have time? Are you or your children allergic to pet dander? These are all reasons given for turning in companion animals, so these issues should be given serious thought. Adopting an animal is a lifetime commitment and is not a decision that should be taken lightly and without thought and planning!
Once a choice is made and the new addition to your family has been decided, the Bach Flower Essence, Walnut, given to all family members, human and animal alike, will help ease stress and help adjust during the transition. Also, Changing Times, from Spirit Essences, is useful, as is Peacemaker. Bach Essences may be purchased at your local health food store or online at Bach Flowers . Spirit Essences are also available on line.
Lastly, if children are involved, consider getting them registered with Rockets Rangers, a Phoenix-based program that teaches children compassion and stewardship for companion and homeless animals. Check out Rockets Rangers online.
Most importantly, do enjoy your new furry family member and here’s wishing everyone Peace, a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa, and a safe and Happy New Year!
For more help choosing and adopting a pet:
PACC911 for a list of Phoenix rescue groups
Comments
A lesson we learned the hard way many years ago. Got a cocker spaniel for my children who wanted a dog so badly. We took the dog from my husband's coworker, who neglected to tell us (until way later) that she had been the dog's fourth owner, that he had been caged, was terrified of having his hind quarters and feet touched, didn't like children, and was epileptic. We loved Max dearly, tolerated his many eccentricities, and tried to comfort our littlest when he figured out that Max wasn't going to sleep in bed with him, or follow him around the house. And for three years (until Max died of heart failure) we were unable to have children in the house besides our own because Max would bark at them, growl, and just generally make himself and everyone miserable. To his credit, he did come to love my kids in his own way.
Susan, how wonderful of you to stick with Max until he died...many would have dumped him. Kudos to you and your family.
Linda good & timely reminder....I wish people would just stop & think but most of them don't even have enough information to even to this - stop and think!...education is key...choosing the right time and breed is vital....the shelters always fill up after the holidays and a cute movie with cute animals....and of course the breeders go into high gear....makes me nauseous to think about....
Thank you for this article.
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