Pets as presents

All Amber Bertrand wants under the Christmas tree is a black and tan Chihuahua.

The Cape Girardeau woman hopes her boyfriend (or a friend) will surprise her with the cute and cuddly dog for Christmas this year.

"I want one because they are so cute. If I got one, I would take him everywhere with me, and then I'd take him to doggie day care when I go to work. I would name him Trigger," Bertrand said.

Cheryle Dillon, the events and outreach coordinator at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, said the Humane Society sees a large number of people who want to adopt pets to give as Christmas gifts.

"We get a lot of people, but we really try to discourage them from actually adopting," Dillon said.

Audrey, an 18-month-old calico

Instead of giving an adopted pet as a gift, wrap up a dog food bowl or collar and present the recipient a certificate to adopt an animal of their choice from the Humane Society.

"It makes it more special that way," Dillon said. "Plus, the animal might not be the kind a person wants and then they bring it back."

When adopting from the Humane Society, Dillon said, make sure you have a pet that fits your lifestyle.

"It's hard on the pets when they come here, but even harder when they have to come back a second time," she said.

Humane Society employees can help match a person's personality with a particular pet at the shelter.

Minnie, an 11-week-old lab/border collie mix

"Lots of people think they know what they want, but then it turns out the pet doesn't fit their lifestyles," Dillon said. "Not all breeds of dogs are good with children. A lot of people like small puppies, but they have to realize they don't stay small."

The cost to adopt a puppy is $65, and the Humane Society will refund $30 after the pet is spayed or neutered. Kittens cost $60, and $30 is refunded after the pet is altered. Any pet that leaves the Humane Society must be spayed or neutered within six months, Dillon said.

"Adopting a pet to give as a gift is a really great thing, but a person must know what they are getting into," Dillon said. "Plus, we have an endless supply of pets -- we're never empty. We would love to adopt ourselves out of a job, but that won't ever happen."

jfreeze@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246

Phoebe, a 9-week-old tabby