ANIMALS NOT ALWAYS PRACTICAL AS GIFTS

While a kitten or puppy with a bright red bow looks like a good gift idea on television, it might not go over too well in real life.

It could be the recipient isn't ready for the responsibility of an animal, or he wanted a dog instead of a cat. Whatever reason, sometimes animals given as gifts end up unloved and at the local pound.

The Humane Society of the United States said animal shelters across the country are overwhelmed after Christmas as rejected gift pets are handed over.

The shelter in Cape Girardeau probably won't see as many unhappy returns, said local Humane Society administrator Jhan White, but the potential is there.

"It just isn't a thoughtful gift," she said. "But if someone really wants to give an animal as a gift, there is a way."

White suggested buying a stuffed dog or cat and putting a note with it that says it is redeemable for a real animal at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. Then the giver can take the recipient to the shelter after the holidays, help the recipient pick out the animal he wants and pay the adoption fee.

If the recipient didn't want a pet, he can always keep the stuffed animal with a polite "thanks, but no thanks."

The stuffed animal method is better for everyone, even the pet. Christmas often involves travel, or at least a house full of company. Just as those situations put stress on humans, they put stress on animals.

Housebreaking is difficult enough for puppies and kittens, without the added anxiety of being passed around in a loud home, White said.

"Change is so hard on animals because they don't understand," she said. "You can explain moving to a 4-year-old child and make them understand, but an animal never will. It could be that a lot of the animals we get after Christmas were gifts, but the former owners cite behavioral problems as the reason for dropping them off."

Under the right circumstances, though, an animal from the shelter can be the perfect present. White won't adopt them out to people who say they are surprising someone, but she will adopt them to families who want an early present or to someone "redeeming" his stuffed animal.

Adoption costs between $30 and $50, depending on the animal and its age. The fee includes a spaying or neutering deposit, which is returned after the animal's operation. It also includes vaccinations, deworming and a health examination from an area veterinarian.

White plans to give away 100 animals this month. She took over as administrator six months ago, relaxing adoption policies so that more animals find good homes. White said she won't deny anyone the opportunity to take a pet home, but she will check every adoption application as Christmas approaches to be sure none of her animals will be surprises.

Even on Christmas Day, the administrator likely will stop in at the shelter to do some housekeeping.

"All Christmas means out here is a day we won't be open and people can't get in to adopt pets," she said. "These animals need every chance they can get to find a home."