THE PUBLIC MIND: MAKE SURE PET IS WANTED BEFORE IT IS GIVEN AS A GIFT

Dear Editor:

After seeing the advertisements in the paper regarding "Christmas puppies," I felt compelled to respond to the practice of giving pets as gifts.

While this is a truly warm and compassionate notion, especially for lonely individuals, it can also be a disaster. Starting as early as Dec. 26, shelters nationwide begin to receive some of these Christmas "gifts." It is not always a case of someone not wanting the animal, but for some, the pet may be either unaffordable, or unsuitable for the gift recipient's taste. Maybe they wanted a cat, and got a puppy instead, or vice-versa.

Should you decided to give a pet as a gift, please consider the following:

1. Can the recipient afford the animal? (A new pet can cost as much as $500 the first year for food, vaccinations, etc., and for someone on a low fixed income, they may be unable to support the animal.)

2. Is the pet suitable for the person? (Especially for an elderly person, a puppy or kitten may be too rambunctious, and puppies require housebreaking and "chew breaking.")

3. Who will be responsible for veterinary care and transportation to the vet's office?

4. Would the person like this particular pet? (Believe it or not, animals are turned in to shelters for reasons like: they are not the right color, not the right size, they don't bark, they bark too much, etc.)

5. Does the person travel? Who will care for the pet while they are gone?

And, most of all ...

6. Does the person even want a pet? If you are unable to answer all the above, please rethink giving a pet for Christmas, or any other holiday. Please keep in mind, also, that holidays are stressful to both humans and animals, and introducing a pet to a new home at such a busy time may not allow the pet a fair chance to adjust.

Remember that pets are not toys, but are living, breathing, wonderful creatures that can provide an individual or family with a lifetime of love and happiness. Just please wait on bringing that furry little friend home until after the holidays.

Nancy R. Richards

Administrator of Humane

Society of Southeast Missouri