It’s A Dog’s Life—

Christmas Puppies

By Mary Jane Anderson

Before deciding to give a puppy as a Christmas gift, you must realize that the gift involves a 10- to 15-year commitment. Before deciding, ask yourself the following questions:

*If the gift is for a child, did you check with the parents to see if they agree with having a puppy? The age of the child is very important. Many people think that children and pets are a natural combination. But, if the child is not old enough to have the responsibility of caring for the pet, will the parents willingly participate in the continual need for the care, exercise, and medication attention that goes along with having a puppy?

*Do you know which breed would be appropriate for the family and their lifestyle? A dog’s presence in a house unsuitable for his needs can create an unhappy situation for the family and the dog. Some breeds need more exercise than others, so it is better to look around, read, and decide on a dog after research and discussion with the family rather than a spur of the moment puppy “gift.”

*Will the puppy have the proper care such as housebreaking, food, shelter, exercise, and training? Will the parent expect the child to take total care of the puppy, teaching responsibility for the child, or will the puppy be a family project without squabbles on whose turn it is to walk the dog on a cold, wintry night?

*Can the family afford the cost of medical care? Veterinarian bills add up each year with vaccinations, boosters, and other situations in which the dog may require medical attention. The dog, also, will need basic obedience training, which will be another expense.

*Will the animal be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted dogs from being born?

*A pet is an animal with a lifetime commitment by the owner. Puppies are cute and cuddly but grow up very quickly. Time is needed to cope with the “terrible teens,” which is usually between 8 to 18 months in a dog’s life. Do the owners have the time and effort that is needed for this commitment?

If you answered No to any of these questions, I would strongly advise you not to give a puppy at Christmas or any other time of the year. If you answered Yes to the questions, then discuss the gift with the parents and the child. Preparations will be made ahead of time so that there will not be too much excitement for the puppy; I would suggest that the puppy would be picked up a few weeks before Christmas or after Christmas. The holiday excitement can be too much for a puppy and he might be frightened or overly active.

Puppies need a quiet place to rest. Otherwise, the activities can be too overwhelming. Remember, in the long run, the animal is the loser if it does not work out.