Important considerations when giving a pet for Christmas
United States of America (Press Release) December 6, 2007 --
Adoption and purchases of dogs, cats and parrots increase during the holiday season as pet shops present customers with adorable puppies and kittens and not-for-profits vamp up their community adoption efforts. How can parents, and others, make a responsible choice regarding adopting a new pet?
Janice Phelps, of Pickerington, Ohio, and the author of “Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals” (Dreamtime Publishing, 2007), notes three key components to keep in mind when considering a new pet. First, take the time to acquire knowledge about the species or breed that you are considering. Through books, websites, and online interest groups, discover the good and challenging aspects of this particular pet.
Second, gain perspective. In other words, after learning about a particular breed of dog, for instance, think about how life in your home would be from the dog’s perspective. Would it get enough exercise? Would there be enough human attention for the pet? What does this animal need to be healthy and well adjusted?
And, lastly, act responsibly. Make a choice in December that will work for the pet and your family in January and February—months when holiday pets are often relinquished to shelters or returned to pet shops because they have “behavior problems” or “aren’t a good fit.” By taking the time to do a bit of research in advance, and avoid impulse purchases, families can ensure their new pet will be a positive addition to the family, one that will be around for years.
Parents might consider giving their child a stuffed animal and a coupon on Christmas morning, for a pet purchase or adoption after the holidays. In this way the child will learn the most important skills of pet ownership: how to responsibly love and care for a living creature that is dependent upon humans for survival.
Janice Phelps, of Pickerington, Ohio, and the author of “Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals” (Dreamtime Publishing, 2007), notes three key components to keep in mind when considering a new pet. First, take the time to acquire knowledge about the species or breed that you are considering. Through books, websites, and online interest groups, discover the good and challenging aspects of this particular pet.
Second, gain perspective. In other words, after learning about a particular breed of dog, for instance, think about how life in your home would be from the dog’s perspective. Would it get enough exercise? Would there be enough human attention for the pet? What does this animal need to be healthy and well adjusted?
And, lastly, act responsibly. Make a choice in December that will work for the pet and your family in January and February—months when holiday pets are often relinquished to shelters or returned to pet shops because they have “behavior problems” or “aren’t a good fit.” By taking the time to do a bit of research in advance, and avoid impulse purchases, families can ensure their new pet will be a positive addition to the family, one that will be around for years.
Parents might consider giving their child a stuffed animal and a coupon on Christmas morning, for a pet purchase or adoption after the holidays. In this way the child will learn the most important skills of pet ownership: how to responsibly love and care for a living creature that is dependent upon humans for survival.
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