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| Image by Norman Rockwell |
I know there will be those popcorn-strung trees out there
with carefully set boxes under them just before the children race downstairs Christmas
morning. Boxes whose loose-fitting tops are bobbing to and fro like the lid of
a pot of boiling water. Boxes with puppies or kittens in them, the parents
standing to the side, saying to their bright-eyed children, “Wait. Open this one first.”
I am not against bringing a new puppy or dog home for
Christmas. I am against the box part. No, if Christmas happens to
naturally fall as the time of year in which you have finally come to a decision
on the perfect dog breed for your family and lifestyle; contacted and
researched reputable breeders until you can recite every breeder within 200
miles; scoured your local animal shelter, inquiring as to which canine pal
would fill your home with laughter and love for years to come; dog-eared every
book you could find about health, socializing, training, etc.; talked to the
entire family and come to a unanimous conclusion on individual
responsibilities; picked the local vet’s brain until they know you by name when
you enter, even though you do not yet even own a dog; puppy-proofed your home
from top to bottom… Then, and only then, is bringing a puppy or dog home for
Christmas acceptable.
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| Image by Norman Rockwell |
Last week, I heard a "tail" that had me inwardly grimacing in knowledgeable foresight. A lady’s adult son (who lives with the mother) had a girlfriend. This girlfriend surprised this son with a puppy for Christmas, without asking any of the four people living in the home how they felt about it. A German Shepherd, the lady thought. “Four weeks old, or something. Just a little pup.” (If you are thinking puppy mill already, you are not alone). No one is home during the day to take care of this puppy: see to his emotional needs as he is just entering a new environment, potty needs, food needs, or wellbeing. No puppy-proofing. But, this girlfriend was able to attain a small indoor pen of sorts. They put newspaper down for the puppy’s potty needs during the day. I don’t know what the food/water regime was to be. This lady went on to say that it is a heartbreak when something happens to them (dogs), as if she half expects something to. This family lives out in the country, but does not have a fenced area. She spoke of leaving the dog outside, had it been spring instead of winter. Do they know how fast a dog can travel? Can reach a highway? Have they considered puppy shots? Safety of any kind? No. And it was not entirely their fault. Someone “surprised” them with this little, helpless life who had no say in who he went to, how his life was to turn out.
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| Image by Norman Rockwell |
Giving an animal of any kind as a present is never a good
idea (unless you have done the responsible pet owner things listed in the third
paragraph). There are so many different paths—reasons—I say this. The cute
wears off fast and real life begins. Many of these charming little Christmas puppies
will end up in a cage at the animal shelter within a week. It is never fair to
decide a puppy’s or dog’s fate based solely on the momentary reaction you hope
to achieve from members of your household who do not understand, desire, or
plan to execute any of the day to day duties after the initial “cute” fades
away. And believe me, it fades fast.
Consider this year, buying a book about how to care for puppies and dogs as the best present to put under the tree as a way of broaching the ever exciting subject of bringing home not just a puppy or dog, but a very real commitment—a member of the family.
Warmest Wags,Whitney
