Pets as Presents

The scene reads like a Folgers commercial. A woman tiptoes downstairs on Christmas morning. She finds her loved one sitting under the tree holding a fuzzy Golden Retriever puppy that sports a giant red bow around his neck. She races down the stairs and embraces her loved one. The viewer leaves with a warm feeling thanks to the Christmas scene, the display of affection and the cute puppy. Advertisers have been cashing in for years on the cute puppies and children angle; consumers buy the products remembering how the puppy loves his Cottonelle tissue. Puppies are fine for advertising tissue, but Christmas consumers should think twice before giving a pet as a present this Christmas season.

Pets are a commitment that some people are not ready to make.

Pets of all kinds take a great deal of responsibility every pet has needs that someone has to be willing to accommodate. Puppies need to be let out several times during the evening to reinforce potty training. Different types of dogs and cats live anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Certain types of animals also bring strict grooming responsibilities; there is cost to feed them, provide toys and entertainment and sick pets can bring exorbitant medical bills. Pets take time to train, money to maintain and lots of attention from loving owners. Some people are well suited for furry children and others are not. If any of these items are out of place, it's best to leave the pet for another family.

Pets have their own needs, especially the babies.

Sure they may be looking at you with those sad eyes - they are called puppy eyes for a reason - and they may have the soft paws and puppy breath but those babies need to be raised like any human baby. Every animal needs the love and attention of its owner in order to socialize properly. Holidays are very busy and it makes quality time difficult. Pets have to adjust to their new homes; the noise, lights and people can be scary and traumatic for tiny animals. It takes time and discipline to potty train puppies or kittens; any deviations or disregard can make house training or crate training impossible.

Pets may exacerbate medical conditions in their owners.