"11 month old pure bred male, Boston terrier. House trained and will sit and shake paw. Has shots, comes with large dog kennel. Paid $900, asking $600 obo. Will make awesome Christmas present."
I woke to this post on 'Mommy Market' lining my Facebook newsfeed this morning, and aside from all else wrong with this, Christmastime isn't the best time to welcome a new fur family member.
What an "awesome Christmas present". The thought of an adorable puppy with a red bow tucked into his collar greeting the kids on Christmas morning makes for a heartwarming memory and the hours of puppy play and cuddles to follow that day has the whole family over the moon, but that excitement can quickly dwindle. Children get bored with "gifts".
The idea to give the gift of a pet is a common holiday impulse buy. The reality is that people don't think about these beautiful beings and the time, attention, responsiblities and expenses that come with pet ownership. It's only a matter of time before the family is in search of a "forever home" for that once adorable furball of a kitten that has now fully grown into what she thought was her forever home and family.
Instead of choosing to give a furbaby as a Christmas gift, why not opt for a book about selecting the right pet for your family, pet training or pet care, and in the new year, after all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, sit down with the family to discuss if pet ownership is the right choice for your family.
If you're choosing to welcome a pet into your family, you're choosing a love and commitment to them their whole life through. And you've given your family a beautiful gift.
November 22, 2014
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