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Pets
as presents?
things
to consider before giving the gift that keeps on living...
Giving a
puppy, kitten or other animal as a gift to a loved one has been romanticized
over the years in many movies and books. Who can resist the furry face
and playful antics of a puppy or kitten begging for attention?
But
what happens after that first mess on the carpet or chewed up shoe?
Who would have guessed that paper training could be such a challenge?
Too many of these "presents" end up being "disposable"
-- dropped off at shelters or picked up by animal control running loose
just a few months after they appeared to be one of the family.
Within six
months of the release of Disney Studio's 101 Dalmatians, relinquishment
of these dogs to animal shelters and Dalmatian rescue organizations
had increased by at least 25 percent; preliminary statistics indicate
a similar trend following the release of the sequel, 102 Dalmatians.
-- HSUS Cautions Moviegoers
From the Humane Society of the United States |
The Dalmatian
craze is just one facet of "pet gifts" - is giving any
animal as a gift such a good idea? Sure, it is bound to be unlike any
other gift the person may receive, but is it the best gift you
can give?
Veterinarians
are all too familiar with adoptions and gifts gone bad -- pets who wind
up tied out in the yard, starving for affection and sometimes food and
shelter, too. It is well known that animals who bounce between shelters
and homes have a difficult time bonding emotionally and adjusting socially.
A common outcome of moving between repeated "homes" (for dogs
in particular) is a disorder called Separation
Anxiety, which is a type of hyperattachment, to the point of
being destructive or physically sick if the owner leaves the home.
General
considerations often overlooked:
Pet
lifespan - People need to be mindful of the commitment and financial
responsibility of owning a pet. It is easy to adopt a kitten, get a litter
box and a bag of food, and believe that you are all set. Considering that
the average lifespan for an indoor cat is 15-20+ years, this is a commitment
far beyond the shrink-wrapped litter box ensemble all ready to go in the
store. Depending on the breed of dog, the lifespan ranges from 8 years
(giant breeds) to 15+ years (smaller breeds in general).
Veterinary
care and food - Basic veterinary care for a healthy pet should include
vaccinations (kitten/puppy series, then boosters after that), spaying
or neutering, dental cleanings, annual examinations and any associated
blood work. This does not include any health problems or injuries that
will undoubtedly show up over the pet's lifetime. A 60 pound dog may eat
40 pounds of food a month.
Personality
-- of the person and of the pet. This is also a serious consideration,
and due to the many variances in species and breeds of pets, it is something
that should be researched and considered thoughtfully. Many of the breed
information sites for dogs
and cats
offer personality and temperament information about the breed, and this
information can be extrapolated to mixed breeds as well.
Lifestyle
-- again, of the person and of the pet. A Chihuahua won't make the best
jogging buddy, and a Labrador isn't a lap dog (well, there are exceptions
to this, I am sure!). Allergies in people may dictate what type of pet
and even what breed of pet would be best. A working person with a busy
schedule will find that an active pet will most often be bored and destructive
when left alone for too many hours, creating stress and guilt for the
owner. This leads to bad behavior in the pet, and these behaviors can
be hard to break.
Helpful
alternatives to giving pets as gifts:
Adoption
certificate - as busy as animal shelters are, they don't want to place
an animal with someone not wanting or not equipped to have a pet. Giving
a certificate allows you to give the gift of a pet "on paper",
and if the recipient is not ready for a pet, this saves an unpleasant
situation from happening. If this is just what the recipient wanted, excellent!
Now they can personally select the pet that is right for them. Adoption
certificates usually cover the basic adoption costs, which often include
spaying or neutering and first vaccination(s).
Pet
supplies and books - gift certificates work well for this, as well
as actual presents of bowls, leashes, treats, and pet care books. Like
a new baby being welcomed into the family, it never hurts to have a "shower"
of useful gifts for when the pet does arrive, chosen by the new owner.
A
donation - to a shelter, rescue group, or adoption agency. Those who
are unable to take on a pet (or add another to the collection) will appreciate
this kind gesture helping out the less fortunate animals. Visit the many
adoption
sites online and see what they are in need of.
What
do YOU think?
Cast your vote, and join in the discussion!
-
Poll -
Should
pets be given as gifts?
-
Discussion -
Have
you given or received a pet as a present?
Have
an enjoyable holiday season,
Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
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