Do NOT Give An Animal as a Christmas Gift

This is the time of year that we enjoy giving gifts.  The hard part is in selecting the right gift to give.  Please do not give a living, breathing animal as a holiday gift (unless you are a parent, giving it to a child who lives with you, and with the full knowledge that you, the adult, will care for the pet).  A lot of people believe in all the old, and cute, adages:  "Happiness is a warm puppy" or "Cuddly kittens bring happiness" or "Bouncy bunnies are best."  This is not true for everyone.
  As a professional pet sitter, I frequently get stopped by folks who admire the dog(s) that I'm walking. The dog is described in glowing terms, and the person often ends up saying, "I wish he/she were mine."  The only problem with saying that is they mean it at that very second, and not in their real-time life.  Most people who are not true animal lovers see a pet as a thing - a status symbol.  I cherish each animal I care for because of it's individuality and personal quirks.  If one truly loves animals, that's what happens.  If you regard your pet as a "belonging," and not a part of your family, then you are not, truly, an animal lover.

  People frequently see puppies, kittens, and small dogs out walking.  People comment to their friends, "Oh - isn't that adorable? I'd like one just like that."  Then the friends get that person a kitten or puppy or small older dog for a Christmas, Hanukkah, or birthday gift.  There is no polite way to refuse such a gift of love - but a lot of people don't have a pet because it just doesn't fit into their life style.  They are always busy, never home, have a wildly fluctuating work or school schedule, or they don't have the money to spare for the upkeep of that new pet.
   Pets take (a) money, (b) love and attention, and (c) time - lots of time.  With any animal, there are veterinarian bills - annual vaccinations and health check ups.  Dogs need to know who is boss in the family, and that takes time, love and patience.  Cats can be trained to do things, but that takes patience and love.  Bunnies and birds can be trained also, but again, it takes time and patience.  Then there is food and water, a litter box, a cage, a kennel, a collar and leash...  Some pets are born with, or develop, allergies - to an environment, to food, to detergent... the list can be endless.  All of this costs money to treat.
   If you are intent on giving your friend a pet, tell them.  Take them to the animal shelter with you.  Let them pick out the animal they want.  But YOU pay for the adoption.  You buy at least a week's worth of food, litter, toys, etc.  You make certain that YOU can take the pet into your home, in case the adoption goes bad...
   No living creature is a "throw away" animal.  Make sure they have a wonderful life; they are your responsibility - especially if you give an animal as a gift!