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Buying a Puppy for Christmas
Buying a Puppy for Christmas
If you're thinking about buying someone a puppy for Christmas,
read these important tips first.
by Steve Johnson
December 14, 2004
Sometimes the expression of joy and surprise on a child's
face on Christmas day when he or she finds a new puppy waiting
for them under the Christmas Tree is enough to send adults
running into pet stores at this time of year.
But when boredom turns puppies into restless house wrecking
machines, families often put them up for sale, give them to
someone else, or turn them over to the animal shelter.
Lee Anne Emig, owner of The Pet Nanny, a pet sitting service
in Southern Illinois, offers the following considerations
if you plan to buy a puppy for Christmas:
Cost – The cost of acquiring a pet is insignificant
compared to the cost of keeping a pet happy and healthy.
Pets are an ongoing, continual expense. Aside from the cost
of food, beds, collars and leashes, you should consider
the cost of basic veterinary care including vaccines, dental
cleaning, annual exams, heartworm preventative and basic
obedience classes. And what happens if your pet becomes
ill or has health problems?
Lifestyle- How often is someone home to care for
a pet? A working person with a busy schedule might find
the pet becomes bored and destructive when left home alone
for too many hours. Do you have space for a pet? Ideally,
pets require a space of their own for quiet time. This space
should include a bed and crate. Many dogs prefer a fenced
in area outdoors for play and exercise. Can you see a pet
fitting in to your life? Consider the personality of the
person and the pet. Some people naturally prefer a lap dog
to a fishing buddy. Allergies to certain pets may also dictate
what type of pet may be best for an individual. There are
many species and breeds of pets available. Make sure you
research carefully before deciding which one is right for
you.
Lifespan – Becoming a pet parent is a time commitment
and large financial responsibility for many years. Be sure
to also consider the lifespan of a pet before making a decision.
Do you know where you’ll be living five years from now?
The average lifespan of an indoor house cat is about 15-20
years. And, depending on the breed of dog, the lifespan
ranges from 8 years (for a giant breed) to 15 years or more
(generally for smaller breeds).
Looking for alternatives to giving pets as gifts?
Adoption certificates – If someone really wants
a pet, many animal shelters and rescue groups have gift
certificates available for purchase. Giving a gift certificate
allows you to still give the gift of a pet, but allows the
recipient to choose the pet they feel is perfect for them
at a time when they feel prepared to have a new pet member.
This saves everyone from a potentially unpleasant situation.
Adoption certificates include basic adoption fees, which
often include spaying or neutering and some vaccinations.
A donation to a local shelter, or rescue group –
Individuals who may be currently unable to take on a pet
(or an additional one) may welcome this kind gesture. Your
monetary donation will help care for unfortunate animals
who hope to find a forever family. There are also a number
of humane societies and rescue agencies that would be more
than happy to share their “wish lists” with you. “Wish Lists”
usually include items like pet food, litter, paper towels,
treats, blankets and pet supplies. You can locate rescue
groups in your area by contacting Lee Anne Emig, owner of
The Pet Nanny Pet Sitting Service at (618) 407-7517 or by
visiting www.petfinder.com.
Lee Anne Emig, operates The Pet Nanny, a bonded and insured
pet sitting service that serves the Southern Illinois communities
of Belleville, Swansea, Fairview Heights, Shiloh, O'Fallon,
Caseyville, Millstadt, and Collinsville, and is a member Pet
Sitters Associates, LLC & the ASPCA Veterinary Lifeline Partner
Program.
Visit The Pet Nanny online at: http://www.mypetnanny.net/
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