by Michelle Rivera - [email protected]
In what looks like a Norman Rockwell painting. a cute
puppy or kitten sits obediently under a Christmas tree, bright red bow
around his neck waiting to be discovered by loving children.
The real deal is nothing like that fantasy because
companion animals make for disastrous Christmas gifts. Countless animal
shelters are swamped with animals, especially the more expensive,
purebred pet store dogs, after the holidays. The honeymoon period may
last a few weeks, but then the stark reality of dog or cat guardianship
sets in.
So if some of your friends are considering surprising a
loved one with a live animal for the holidays, here is some information
you can pass on:
Present them with a shelter gift certificate and then
offer to accompany them to the shelter to help them choose the perfect
family member. After the holidays the shelters are full of purebred dogs
and cats people got as gifts and now don't want. To make a dramatic
presentation, wrap a stuffed animal and a box filled with pet supplies
-- leashes, toys, dishes, food, litter -- along with the gift
certificate. Don't forget books and videos or Dad's on basic care and
feeding of the new companion animal. Anything by Larry Lachman or Brian
Kilcommons, or the HSUS Companion Animal Care Book are all good choices.
Even long-time dog or cat guardians enjoy those well-written manuals.
(Brian has a book out entitled Mutts, America's Dog, for those friends
with "natural dogs" or who will be visiting the shelter for a mixed
breed.
According to Karen Buchan, a project manager for Palm
Beach County Animal Care and Control, .....Ask your friends to ask
themselves these questions: Who will take care of the animal after the
holidays? A new puppy requires several hours of attention and training
[each day] to become a responsible family member. Can the family afford
caring for a new dog or cat? The American Animal Hospital Association
recommends talking to your veterinarian about the breed you like. Some
breeds require special care and grooming which can be expensive. Are the
children in the home old enough to handle a new animal? Will the animal
become too big for the home once he's fully grown? Is the yard fenced?
Will the landlord allow a dog or cat? Is there an expensive "pet
deposit" to consider? What part is refundable? Does the family have
other animal companions that should be considered? Will the animal fit
into their lifestyle? Are they on the go so much the dog or cat wouldn't
get much attention? Does everyone realize that adopting an animal is a
long commitment -- 10-15 years long?
And for the safety of ALL family members during the
holidays Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control offers these safety
tips: Cats and dogs love to chew on electric cords and tinsel. Cover the
cords with duct tape. Put tinsel and glass ornaments higher on the tree,
out of reach. Secure the tree so animals can't knock it over. Many
holiday plants are poisonous to pets, especially poinsettias, holly and
mistletoe with berries attached. As animals age they may become more
sensitive to noise. By placing the animal in another part of the house
-- a safe room -- during the excitement, it will make both you and him
happier. Make sure your animal is wearing his collar and county rabies
license tag. Dogs and cats may slip out of the door unnoticed during all
the hustle and bustle. A county tag is a lost animal's ticket home. Give
your dogs and cats gifts but make sure they are safe and nontoxic ones.
Enjoy the holidays!
Go on to Top 10
Survival Tips for an English Vegetarian Christmas
Return to 23 December 2001 Issue
Return to Newsletters
** Fair Use Notice**
This document may contain copyrighted material, use of which has not been
specifically authorized by the copyright owners. I believe that this
not-for-profit, educational use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the
copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright
Law). If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your
own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright
owner.
