Christmas is alittle over a week away and many working in the animal welfare field dread this time of year for two reasons I feel.
One………the sadness of all of the pets stuck in shelters because they haven’t found a forever home in time for the holidays.
Two…….those who have given pets as Christmas presents only to be returned to shelters in a few months after the novelty wears off and reality sets in much like that new gym membership you begin with that New Year’s resolution. I have witnessed firsthand the surrendering of these puppies who are growing into bigger dogs to shelters after the holidays are over and a few months have gone by.
And the harsh truth is that some end up losing their lives because they can’t find a home. But that is the harsh reality in shelters all across the nation all year long.
So what’s the answer? Should you give you that adorable puppy or kitten for a present?
If I had been given a puppy as a Christmas present as a little girl, which never happened, I know without a doubt that puppy/dog would have had a forever home.
Christmas is notorious for parents adding a puppy to their family. And most people visit their local pet store. This time of year sees the most sales of puppies from pet stores- hands down. People see these cute faces and think their child will be ecstatic to find this bundle of joy under the tree- and they do! And let me remind you where these puppies come from- puppymills!
That’s right- puppymills. The places where the moms and dads are stuck in small cages for their entire lives for the sole purpose to breed their entire lives so their “owners” can get rich. These dogs have very little vet care or human contact. They live horrible lives and thinking about them makes my heart break.
PA does have a new puppymill law but we are still the puppymill capital of the East Coast, without a doubt.
So should you bring a pet into the picture at Christmastime? I am not generally in favor of it but many animal welfare activists advocate and encourage you to adopt at Christmas. But I am also not against it as long as it is a family decision and everyone knows the commitment that is attached to this new pet. The entire family should visit a shelter or rescue and see what animal is best suited for them. No surprises and you will learn about the pet from staff.
Christmas is also a hectic time to bring a pet into the house. Parents can always get a gift certificate made that tells their child they will visit and adopt a pet AFTER the holidays.
There are responsible people ready to take in a pet for the holidays but there are many who are not ready for this life-altering decision. I urge you to please take your time to think about this carefully.
As I said, I have seen firsthand the return of many animals that were no longer wanted after the novelty wore off and I have seen these pets lose their lives because there were no homes for them.
I ask that you make a responsible decision and think of the consequences.
Last but certainly not least……..Adopt……DO NOT SHOP- DO NOT SUPPORT PUPPPYMILLS BY PURCHASING YOUR PET FROM A PET STORE!