A
pet can make a wonderful addition to a home. However, living, breathing
animals are more than just gift ideas for Christmas, Hanukkah,
birthdays, Easter, or special occasions. Owning an animal comes with a
commitment, often for a decade or more. Each animal deserves a pet
parent who has time, energy, money, and interest to welcome them into
their life. Still many people get puppies and kittens as gifts without
much thought.
It’s
tempting to surprise someone, especially children, with a fluffy puppy,
bunny, hamster, or kitty complete with a bow. While you’re imagining
the squeals of delight, consider how tragic the situation could become.
Imagine if the time, money, and energy commitment you imposed on the
family grows to more than they can manage. A poor match could mean the
animal ends up in a shelter, feels lonely, or even suffers abuse or
neglect.
Think Twice Before Giving A Pet As A Gift
Certainly
as a gift, a pet is “free” but there will be ongoing costs throughout
the animal’s life including food, bedding and toys, veterinary care,
grooming expenses, and a big investment of time to exercise, play with,
and train the animal. Anything less than a lifetime commitment is a
betrayal of trust that pets deserve when we bring them home. This is not
a commitment that you should make for someone else, no matter how good
your intentions are.
Every
pet needs–and deserves–plenty of time and attention as they adjust to
their new FOREVER home. Most of us are especially busy during the
holiday season with shopping and family meals, decorating the house and
trimming the tree, hosting parties and overnight guests. We’re on the
move more, visiting family and friends or attending seasonal
festivities. It’s a busy and sometimes stressful season, and likely not
the best time to adjust to and care for a new animal.
Consider
the holiday environment and how difficult it could be for a new puppy
to adjust to the frantic activity and the additional hazards–lights,
plants, and decorations–in the home. In most areas of the country,
winter days are short and cold, but a puppy that requires house training
will need to be taken outside often, even in the middle of the night,
even when it’s cold or raining or snowing. This can be uncomfortable for
both the dog and the caretaker.
As surprises go, choosing a pet for someone is generally a bad idea. The person who will be responsible for the animal must be the one who makes the decision to bring a new furry family member into their home. There may be concerns about allergies, lifestyle, life span, energy levels, and special needs to consider.
Some
people will cope better with a puppy while others may prefer an older
dog. People should select a pet only after considering important factors
like size, activity level, and temperament. The right match between
humans and their animal companion is very personal, and because of the
commitment involved, an important part of the process is for the owner
to fully understand and be prepared for the responsibility.
It’s a sad reality that, at holiday times like Christmas and Easter, puppy mills and backyard breeders make a profit from selling pets that are often unhealthy or have likely been neglected since they were born and bred in inhumane environments. The ASPCA urges shoppers to fight this cruelty by refusing to shop for animals from these types of businesses.
Pay The Adoption Fee, Instead
Shelter
animals are a better choice, so don’t shop–adopt! If you are still
determined that a pet is the perfect gift, pay the shelter adoption fee
in advance for the gift recipient.
This
allows the person or family to choose their own pet on their own
timeline. They will be able to weigh the financial, emotional, and time
concerns of pet ownership and make a decision. If they ultimately decide
against adopting an animal, you will have made a much-needed donation
to the shelter in their name.
The
unconditional love we get from our pets is unequaled, but animals come
with work, a time commitment, vet bills, and unintended messes, so a pet
should never be an impulsive gift. Animals are vulnerable, living, and
breathing creatures deserving of more than fleeting attention as a
gift-wrapped surprise. Anything less than a lifetime of love in a secure
home is ultimately unfair to everyone.
source:https://dogtime.com/trending/32931-pets-gifts-good-intentions-bad-idea
Pets As Gifts: Good Intentions, BAD IDEA
Reviewed by animalword
on
février 24, 2019
Rating:
Aucun commentaire: