Readers' Comments
Article:
Thu, Dec 6 | By Matt Van Hoven | 726
Whether young or old, there's few people who wouldn't love to spend Christmas morning playing with a warm, fuzzy new pet. As consumers stroll malls across the country, they will undoubtedly pass a pet store or two, and not be able to resist the big … more ›
434 results
Oldmaidcatwoman
4 years ago
I got a shelter cat for a birthday gift one year--the best present I ever received.
ArthurCurtis
4 years ago
So true there is always an increase in owner surrenders between 3-5 months after Christmas. The usual, "they won't do this, they won't do that, I had no idea he would get that big". Think about getting a pet as a liftetime responsibility before you may the plunge
Jessica T.
4 years ago
The headline says it all, and sums up how I feel about these holiday seasons. I am weary of a lot of the puppy adoptions that take place days before Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. I always have my fingers crossed that those dogs are going to educated and willing owners, but we never really know.
Dstrykr
4 years ago
I couldn't agree more. A friend gave me a puppy for my b-day and I am not a dog person. I did find him a great home later, but others are not so inclined to do that. They will just dump them off on the side of the road. Take the friend with you and if they want the pet, then let them select it as a gift.
Halahala459
4 years ago
This article is absolutly right! Many people who purchase animals from pet stores could be ADOPTING a pet from a local shelter. I know most people feel bad for the animals in the store (so do I) but by buying them, you are helping breeders provide the store with unhealthy puppies.
Andy K.
4 years ago
Unfortunately those strolling through the mall at the last minute are not putting a lot of thought into their purchasing. All many of them are thinking is "Crap, I need something now." And there are always people willing to help them at the right price. It would seem to be best for the animals if no adoptions were allowed during the few days before major gift giving holidays.
DDRau
4 years ago
With all the public education about this you would think giving puppies or kittens for a holiday would be a thing of the past. Apparently you can't reach everyone. Most shelters and responsible breeders will not adopt/sell pets for the holidays. Hopefully parents will comfort their child with a stuffed animal and get the pet at a more suitable time.
Tanya F.
5 years ago
This is always a problem at local shelters. Always want to surprise someone with a cute fluffy puppy or kitten and then comes the training, the biting, housesoiling and the people crack. They bring them back because they only thought about the moment and not the whole process required. Hope everyone thinks a little more before adopting.
Adaira R.
5 years ago
Thank you for this. Our shelter discourages impulse adoptions and our cat area does not permit such adoptions. Animals aren't gifts, they are to be a part of your family and an animal can't adjust properly with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Wait until after the holidays and come pick out your new family member.
Jill6Johnson
5 years ago
Everyone involved in the care of a pet should have a say in picking it. Also, there is just to much going on during the holidays - not really a great time for such a gift. However, a lot of thought needs to go into the decision to get a pet regardless of the season.
FruitLoopLucy
5 years ago
a live animal has to be thought out carefully and plans made to keep one happy as well as the new owner.
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