JohnR
12-24-2011, 06:37 PM
In the category of "better late than never", I offer the following advice:
One should NEVER give a pet as a gift unless the following is absolutely known:
The family is prepared to receive a pet.
The family is capable of caring for a pet, financially and otherwise.
The Parents are aware of the gift, and welcome the gift.
If the gift is for an adult, that they are aware of, and welcome the gift.
There are a number of reasons a family or person may not be ready for a pet. They may not be ready for the responsibility. They may not be able to, or want to, afford the costs. They may even be talking about getting a pet, but that doesn't mean they are ready.
Every year, the incoming pet numbers jump at humane societies accross the country in January through early spring, as that once wonderful gift turns into something that the family is not able to cope with.
Also keep in mind, that especially for dogs, Winter (at least in the norther half of the country) is one of the hardest times to deal with a new "family member". Puppies make much better Easter presents than Christmas presents, at least anywhere there is snow or mud...
If you know, or learn of, a pet that did not find a happy home, please find a way to help. This does not mean that you have to adopt the pet, but you can help make sure that the pet does find a good home. Both the pet, and the family, will be happier in the long run.
One of the most important parts of being a pet owner is being a responsible pet owner. Let's all do our part!
John R.
Beaver Dam, WisCOWnsin
One should NEVER give a pet as a gift unless the following is absolutely known:
The family is prepared to receive a pet.
The family is capable of caring for a pet, financially and otherwise.
The Parents are aware of the gift, and welcome the gift.
If the gift is for an adult, that they are aware of, and welcome the gift.
There are a number of reasons a family or person may not be ready for a pet. They may not be ready for the responsibility. They may not be able to, or want to, afford the costs. They may even be talking about getting a pet, but that doesn't mean they are ready.
Every year, the incoming pet numbers jump at humane societies accross the country in January through early spring, as that once wonderful gift turns into something that the family is not able to cope with.
Also keep in mind, that especially for dogs, Winter (at least in the norther half of the country) is one of the hardest times to deal with a new "family member". Puppies make much better Easter presents than Christmas presents, at least anywhere there is snow or mud...
If you know, or learn of, a pet that did not find a happy home, please find a way to help. This does not mean that you have to adopt the pet, but you can help make sure that the pet does find a good home. Both the pet, and the family, will be happier in the long run.
One of the most important parts of being a pet owner is being a responsible pet owner. Let's all do our part!
John R.
Beaver Dam, WisCOWnsin