For the last three days, I have been trying to write about the inherent problems of giving a puppy as a Christmas gift. More puppies are bought and sold in December than at any other time of the year - and sadly, April is the busiest time for rescue organizations and shelters when all the Christmas puppies lose their exceeding cuteness and the task of cleaning up poop in the house loses it's charm.
I understand why it happens. TV is full of commercials of pups with big red floppy bows sitting under perfectly decorated trees and Hallmark uses that same image on more than half their cards and adds a blazing fireplace adorned with stockings which, I am sure, were hung with care. Couple these "Rockwellian" images with a couple of kids whining "But I WANT one…" and the fact that the phrase "warm and fuzzy" was most certainly coined in the presence of a sweet faced pup and, there you go - a puppy seems the perfect gift.
But it isn't and it's not - ask any rescue worker when they are knee-deep in untrained, unsocialized, six month old puppies come Spring.
Here are the facts: The holiday season is busy, hectic, and stressful. For some reason, chickens without heads comes to mind. This is no atmosphere to bring a baby into - a that is what a puppy is, a baby - who requires care, and the time to adjust to life outside the warm environment that was his world with mom just days prior. He needs guidance and support - everything is new and scary and bewildering and while I could tell you about the developmental stages of puppies and fear periods and how doing the wrong thing at the wrong time could doom the puppy to be a neurotic mess for the rest of its fifteen year life, I won't. What I will say is this - most people have too much on their plates come the Christmas season to do right by a new puppy - and that is ok because there are 11 more months on the calendar, any of which would be better.
There is something else to consider. A puppy is not a toy that can be ignored by New Year's eve. Oh, come on! You know what I am talking about! Remember that video game you begged for when you were a kid? How about that Malibu Barbie? Yep, you played that game like crazy until you got to the 17th level and it got too hard and you dressed and redressed Barbie until you decided to cut her hair. Both ended up under the bed, never to be seen until you had to clean up your room somewhere around the start of Summer vacation - and that was ok. They didn't suffer at all. THAT doesn't happen with a puppy. The responsibility is ongoing - and for a long time. Giving a puppy for Christmas sends the message that it is just another toy - and it isn't. As most adults claim that they are getting a puppy to teach kids something about responsibility, then really do that! Have family meetings about care and training. Let the kids help with preparation for the pups arrival. Make the pup the event - not Christmas.
And what if you really have your heart set on a puppy for Christmas but you want to do it right? First of all, get everything for the pup but not the pup itself. Buy the bowls and collars and crate and brushes and leashes. Buy a book or two or three or four about proper care. And then relax and learn and take your time finding the perfect dog … guess what? If you wait until April, the rescues and shelters will be glad to help you. They will be full to capacity with young pups that less caring people bought at Christmas … and dumped when they found out that they were more then they bargained for!
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This is a great message. I think far too often people do not think of cute little puppies and kittens as sentient beings that need us as caretakers throughout their lives. Too often as you say they are looked upon as cute "toys" and they are not. Once we take them in we have a responsibility to care for them and provide a heathy safe caring home for the duration of their lives. They require medical attention, clean water and heathy food. Many have medical needs that are not apparent when they are just cute little balls of fur and fun. They grow up to an extent. They need training and guidance to behave appropriately. Shouting and talking to them as if they understand us does not work. They are animals and they do not understand our thoughts words and feelings.
ReplyDeletePuppies and kittens grow into dogs and cats and are not the same after 6, 9, 16 months. They are not a toy that can be ignored once the novelty has worn off. If people really want a new pet in their lives I agree christmas is probably the worst time to get one. If you want to teach children responsibility and how to care and Love a sentient being then plan for it. Get books, talk to vets, talk to other owners of a particular breed. This is important. It must be an equal match. The dog as well as the puppy must be a fit to the family. Breed means they have certain characteristics inherent to them and these can not be changed by desire or will power.
They joy of a new pet can last its lifetime if one plans and thinks it through. Children are not a novelty and neither is a puppy or a kitten. I personally own a wonderful cat I got from a shelter who was dropped off 7 months after it was under the christmas tree. It grew up and had needs that were not planned for or taken under consideration. He is now the joy of my life because I prepared for him and incidentally I picked him up on the Friday before this cute little christmas present was to be put down for the crime of growing up into a cat.
Please if you read this take it to heart. A pet is a big responsibility but can be a beautiful experience for both the owner and the pet. Do not take this message the wrong way just search your heart for the good and the right. Kittens and puppies are wonderful and cute but dogs and cats can fill your life and bring years of priceless memories and joy. So when the time is right by all means get a puppy or kitten, or better yet save an unwanted christmas present in the coming months and enjoy a the lifetime they have to offer.
Very well said!!!!
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