Reality vs. Fantasy

At this time of year, some of you may be thinking about giving a puppy or kitten as a Christmas present.  You picture the expression of sheer joy as your loved one discovers the furry ball of fur under the Christmas tree. You imagine the sweet puppy smell or kitten playfulness. 

That is a nice dream.  Unfortunately, the reality is not quite so cuddly.  Puppies will chew the new pair of socks Aunt Clara bought you.  Kittens will climb the new curtains you bought for the living room – or worse, decide the top of the Christmas tree looks like an excellent location from which to survey his/her new living quarters.

Now is not the best time to bring a pet into a home.  With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is really hard to devote enough attention to your new pet.  Experienced pet owners know how much work a new pet is, regardless of the age. 

I am a firm believer that you should never give a pet as a gift unless the person is 100 percent involved in the decision.  If that is the case, I have a suggestion.  Give your loved one a handmade gift certificate.  Offer to pay the adoption fee for the pet whenever the recipient is ready.  You can tuck the gift certificate inside a basket of toys and other goodies for the new pet. 

Also, if you know the person is a pet lover but not ready to add another pet, consider giving a donation to his or her favorite rescue group.  That is something we have on our Christmas list this year.  We have enough junk around the house.   The dogs and cats at Brother Wolf could use the funds much than we can. 

We hope you and your family (furry and human) have a safe and happy holiday season and a healthy, happy new year.

Rescue Mommy