Puppy for Christmas!

Here we go again...because people just don't get it. "Going shopping to get my daughter a puppy for Christmas!" Isn't that cute? No, not at all. Let me tell you why. Puppies should never be a surprise. The family should do research on the best type of dog (personality, size, energy level) who will fit the family's lifestyle. Do you want a puppy or an adult dog? You also have to consider the amount of time you can spend with the dog. The amount of money needed for vaccinations, food and all of the other expenses that come with bringing a pet into your family. Dogs at pet stores generally come from puppy mills. The puppy mills know that people will be buying puppies for Christmas so the mother dogs are forced to work overtime to meet the demand. Do you really want to be a part of this?

You know what would be a great gift for your children for Christmas in lieu of getting a puppy? Make a monetary donation or purchase items on your local shelter's wish list. Take the children to the shelter to see all of the unwanted animals and have a shelter worker tell them about the time, money and effort it takes to care for them. This also teaches the kids to be socially responsible.