Pet shelters and adoption agencies across the country are unanimously in agreement that no cat, dog, puppy or kitten should be given to a family as a holiday 'surprise' gift. Often loving grandparents, aunts, uncles or family friends think it would be so sweet to 'gift' children with a fur baby.
Yes there will be lots of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the kiddo's but this is one present that requires a complete family commitment. This little living, breathing, eating, pooing and pee-ing bundle of joy is a full time responsibility. It also means that the family signs on to the promise to provide for the pet for its entire lifetime. The kind 'gifter' needs to take into account that the pet requires life's basic needs plus exercise, attention to its grooming and hygiene, regular vet care, a place to sleep or play and a back up plan for boarding when traveling.
Every family, couple or senior that would like a pet (forever - not just for the holidays) should visit their local shelters. Come as a group and plan to spend a good deal of time checking out several possible pets in their open play areas. Then all should agree as a group to accept responsibility for their NEW FAMILY MEMBER. Cuteness and cuddling with a fur baby make it easy to 'get that pet adopted' - but all shelters are seeking, requiring and asking for the ultimate pet adoption commitment.
