General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPSA: Please don't give animals as Christmas gifts.
I know I am a day late, but I just wanted to say this. Please don't give kittens or puppies as gifts unless you know that the receiver is WILLING and ABLE to care for a pet. And regardless if they are willing and able, DO NOT spring it on them as a surprise UNLESS you know that they really, really want a furry or feathered or scaly friend.
I don't mean to come across as a Grinch, but too many furbabies end up at shelters over the holidays due to this very thing.
strawberries
(498 posts)I hate when I hear someone got a pet for Christmas because by February they have been abused or left to die. Not all, but enough.
I want another pet, so I am waiting for one to get dumped at my local shelter
You didn't come across as a Grinch just a kind honest pet lover
PoliticAverse
(26,366 posts)Thinkingabout
(30,058 posts)But they grow up and many do nit have the patience to house break them. They get mad and dump the animals. I got a rescue two year old, still has to house break her in November 2013. I could sense areas of abuse but she is now my constant companion, well worth the effort to give her love and now she gives more love than I could ever.
Go Vols
(5,902 posts)as a present 3 years ago,now there are 9.I gave a cock and hen peafowl this year as a present.All will be well cared for.
gollygee
(22,336 posts)is that the partridge, turtle doves, french hens, calling birds, and swans a-swimming were a bad idea?
VERY bad idea!
Sheldon Cooper
(3,724 posts)PoliticAverse
(26,366 posts)to someone's sanity.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)I might point out that Christmas was yesterday and one suspects that most gift giving is already completed.
AngryDem001
(684 posts)I know I am a day late, but the message is still valid.
LiberalEsto
(22,845 posts)and will be upset over the separation. Add to that the holiday bustle and unfamiliar surroundings, and you have potential issues like howling, bladder and bowel accidents, etc. They are still babies, and the new owners should keep this in mind.
paleotn
(17,989 posts)...to me, taking on the care of a pet is a life long commitment, for the life of your animal companion, and not to be taken lightly. They love us unconditionally. We should give them no less.
Rhiannon12866
(206,291 posts)Not the best time to introduce a new member of the family who's going to need a lot of time and care.
Treant
(1,968 posts)the person already wanted a cat, and we merely paid for said cat. He picked out the cat at the ASPCA and we wrote the check.
Then, when he died, we adopted said cat as he'd known us his entire life already anyway. He took a while to adjust, but turned around and attached to us perfectly well. That was one great animal.
However, that's the only case where I'd give an animal as a gift--I write the check, the person in question makes the choice (and can say no at any time during the process and I'll get them a sweater or something instead).
JI7
(89,279 posts)TorchTheWitch
(11,065 posts)And not only should the recipient be both willing and able they need to be able to pick out the furbaby of their choice.
Having a pet is a huge responsibility, and people that make the decision to have one need to be both willing and able but also be able to chose what particular pet they want considering species, breed, size, temperament, any health ramifications, and everything else that goes into the choice.
bvf
(6,604 posts)My daughter was given a shelter kitten by her fiancé.
Believe me, that cat is set for life, but it's a shame there are people out there who need to heed your message.
niyad
(113,625 posts)the only kinds of exceptions I can see are like the post below--wherein the giver and the givee were in agreement--no surprises.
Katashi_itto
(10,175 posts)I don't like them too much.
Yes I am joking....