A Christmas Message

Giving Pets as Gifts This Holiday Season

The bond between humans and dogs is a beautiful thing, and watching it develop can be almost as satisfying as forging it yourself. Therefore, it’s not surprising that dogs are such a popular gift idea.

The person who gives a dog as a gift gets a front row seat to watch those first wonderful moments. But think about the scene in which you present your loved one with their furry gift, and look at it from the other side: the excitement of the holidays can produce a frenzied, almost manic atmosphere, and excited energy like that can be an unhealthy way to begin a new canine relationship.

Dogs need structure and leadership, and shrill cries and cheers in a new environment can be overwhelming.

Another consideration for being a responsible pet ownership is making sure that you choose a dog that fits with the energy of the person who will be receiving it and with the rest of the family as well. Following through on this may mean involving the gift recipient in the selection process. For this kind of gift, a carefully wrapped IOU can be given in place of the animal itself, to let the person know that their gift is coming.  You can be sure there will be a broad smile in it for you!

Remember: dogs can make wonderful gifts, but unlike sweaters or socks, they aren’t as easily returnable if the fit isn’t just right. The new owner must be ready to make a commitment for the animal's entire lifetime and be prepared to accept the responsibilities that come with their new family member. There are many factors to consider including the person or family's financial situation (can they afford veterinary care and dog food costs?), their living situation (is the home pet-friendly?), and their lifestyle (do they have time to invest in proper training, exercise, and attention?). The relationship between human and dog must be approached with care and respect – only then will you have a gift truly worth giving!