Sure, every shelter, pet rescue, and/or pet adoption agency would love to have all the canines and felines adopted out before the end of the year, but here’s the back story that is so important.
Yes, a puppy or kitten in a Christmas wrapped gift box will have the kiddo’s oohing and ahhing with joy and delight. But what most often happens is the same as the gifting of the latest toy of the year, the novelty wears off, the pet becomes a burden and the receivers are now calling any and all shelters to return the pet.
This “live toy” is high maintenance. It needs to be fed, needs to be exercised and oh yes, it pees and poops too. Then there are the needed vet expenses, pet food, toys, bedding and collars and leases. That puppy is now a drain on the family budget. Pet Adoptions of Cuero discourages impulse pet adoptions and discourages “surprise” pet adoptions for a family or family member even more.
Adding a pet to the family should be a major group family decision. PAOC encourages the entire clan to come out for a long visit and meet with potential adoptees at the play arena. Most puppies or dogs require a 10-plus year commitment. Likewise, cats and kittens require an equally long term “member of the family” promise. Adopted pets have different personalities so it is important that they bond with everyone in the family.
There is nothing sadder to an adoption agency staffer — and especially the pet — to get a return after a few short months. Pets love and bond instantly and returned pets often become sad and lethargic. They went from being the center of attention back to a crowded shelter with little human interaction.
But Pet Adoptions of Cuero can help with the “pet/gift giving.” Stop by and purchase a Pet Adoption Gift Certificate. We can wrap it with a stuffed toy pet for Christmas Day gifting. Then the entire family will have a year to come by and choose the perfect pet that works with the family’s dynamics, homestead, and age of the children.
Surprises are nice, but please don’t gift a live pet to a friend or family as a surprise. Remember a pet gift is not one that can be left in the closet. So make it a win-win-win for Fido and his new forever family.
PAOC is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. until noon at 407 US Highway 183 South in Cuero. Or call for a late afternoon adoption visit 361-243-8550.
