Don't Give a Pet as a Christmas Present!

I am very happy to see that my blog post from December 6 last year is my most read post each day this month.  It, too, tells people not  to give animals as gifts.  More than 100,000 animals (dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc) are killed at "animal shelters" each week because they are no longer wanted, or convenient, items.
  - There are a few exceptions, I grant you.  Buying your young child a pet is acceptable, but only if you are willing to feed and take care of the animal.  Some children love a pet effusively for a day, or a week, and then don't want to be bothered by taking care of it.  If you are purchasing, through one of those wonderful charities, a goat, sheep, pig, chickens, or cow for an undeveloped village - you  have my thanks. If you're married, and are giving your spouse a riding horse, or a racing prospect (and have all of the monies needed for the long-term care of said equine), good on you. -
   Unfortunately, most pets given at Christmas or Easter, or on birthdays, will end up being killed at an "animal shelter."  If a friend, cohort, or partner really wants an animal, and is willing to spend the money necessary for food and veterinary visits; if the person has the time and energy to love and socialize the animal; if the person has the space for an animal, and it's allowed to live in  the apartment, condominium, or town house; if the person has the love to give, and the time to spend with a pet, then do it.  But - do not go to a breeder, unless you or the new owner intends to have a pedigreed show dog, cat, or rabbit.  Go to your local Humane Society, to your local Dumb Friends League, to your local animal shelter (where each animal is facing a death sentence), to your local animal Rescue groups, and/or check at a local veterinarian's office.  Take the person who is receiving the animal with you, and let him (or her) choose the animal they want.  Pay for the adoption; pay for the micro-chip; pay for a collar and leash, food for a week, kitty litter, if it's a cat; get toys for the pet.  BUT, if the person decides that the dog or cat or rabbit just doesn't fit into lives - you must be prepared to adopt the animal yourself.
   People today are extremely busy - I don't know how many of my friends and acquaintances exist, as they squeeze so many things that they feel they "must" do into a 24 hour period.  It's not really good for the people involved, and it's pure hell on their pets.
   Any adoption of any type of living, breathing creature means a commitment that lasts for that animal's full life, in my book of values and judgments.  Pets are not disposable throw away items.  They live, they love, they become attached to "their person" and to their usual home.  Please do NOT give a pet as a present, unless you are able and willing to take the pet into your own home.
    Thank you.