Some of us have, long ago, been there. Others are probably enjoying a peek at theirs now, with only two weeks to go before the joy and excitement of watching their little ones open Christmas gifts, hoping Santa brought the “only thing I really wanted”. A puppy, kitten, hamster, guinea pig…whether four or two little legs, fur or feather. Two words…Please, DON’T! Don’t be a Santa-wannabe, fufilling your child’s (or even spouse’s) dearest wish. You’ll get over the disappointed look in the hopeful recipient’s eyes when they don’t find a puppy in a stocking or box much sooner than an animal will recover from ill-treatment, neglect, or being shuttled from one home to another. Granted, for some it might be the perfect “forever” gift but for too many the joy and the “wish” only lasts about as long as any electronic game, the newest doll. Give it a couple of months and the toys are broken, cast aside from boredom, given away or exchanged for something “better”. Sadly, a gifted animal most times lasts no longer and is ignored, abandoned, palmed off on a friend, taken to the pound.

If you’re determined a puppy is what your family really needs, please consider waiting until after the holidays. You’re so busy at this time there is little patience for it’s needs or care and it doesn’t take long to tire of a puppy who hasn’t learned what “outside” is for (and it’s NOT for chaining him up next to a draughty kennel in all weathers). You’re all too busy at this time to teach it not to chew the furniture so by New Year’s day your couch, new throw rugs, or fluffy Christmas slippers are ragged.

Puppies and kittens, especially, are undeniably tempting to buy at Christmas. Malls all decorated, festive muzak, pretty lights on trees and pet stores with “Christmas Sale!” placards, cages full of tiny creatures at “bargain prices”. Before you let even one of them catch your eye and melt your heart…for a moment or a week or two…STOP. Think…not about making a child’s wish come true but of how you see that wish in a month, six months or the rest of his/her life. In your home as a loved “family member”, by your fireside, accompanying you on walks or…too much work, too much time, this was a mistake, what do you mean “it’s a life-long committment?” let’s get rid of ‘IT’!!”

If, indeed, you know your home and family is made for, ready for, loving, caring and keeping a pet for the length of it’s life…do yourselves and the pet a favour. Get the holidays and busy-ness over first. And check out the animal shelters, rescue organizations first before the mall “mill outlet”.

http://www.puppymillrescue.com/christmas_puppies_for_sale.htm

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