Once again, it's the time of year when some of you are considering buying your child or loved one a puppy, kitten or other pet for Christmas. I just want to beg those of you who are thinking about it to consider a few things BEFORE you make such a big decision and no mistake about it...it IS a BIG DECISION, especially this time of year, for the following reasons: 1. You will need to take them to a reputable veterinarian as soon as possible and this will cost time and money...both of which are in limited supply for most of us during the holidays! Another time factor involved is care and feeding. Puppies need basic care every couple of hours. 2. They will be in a strange environment and can get easily stressed which may cause them not to eat, which can lead to hypoglycemia or other health issues. 3. They may not get the full attention they need when going to their new homes at this time due to holiday activities. 4. Most of us have lots of visitors during this season and it is not a good idea for new pets to be exposed to too many people when they are first introduced to their new homes. Later, after your pet is adjusted some, socializing them with care is wonderful! So Christmas is definitely NOT the right time to adopt a pet unless you are well prepared for it. Please do some research before you adopt a pet. If you don't have Internet access at home, you can use the computers at the library for free. You will find that bringing a puppy or kitten or ANY PET into your home/life isn't a small thing... not if you care for it like you should. Research the breed. Find out how big they get; their temperament; their health issues, etc. You will also find that caring for a dog is another expense and sometimes.. a LOT of times...the expense may exceed your income. You will be responsible for paying for several vet visits the first year. You will need pet supplies such as a harness, leash, shampoo, comb or anything else your particular puppy will need. If it needs anything else to make it's life safe, happy and healthy, you will be providing it. You will basically have a "child" in your care until it's life is over! Pets do not grow up and leave home to make it on their own... YOU are the primary care-giver forever! Sadly enough, ANYONE can have a pet, whether they buy it or someone gives it to them. Sometimes they are brought into a home where nobody knows OR cares how to care for it and they are gravely mistreated in one way or another that I won't go into here. Although I can't watch them, there are animal cop shows on television that show the horrors of what happens when a pet is abused. Again... I BEG you... Please reconsider buying your child or loved one a pet until you know FOR SURE that it will be loved and cared for. If anyone else agrees, please send your letter to the editor to help GET THE WORD OUT!! I'm sure the animal shelters, veterinarian's offices and even breeders will appreciate any effort we put out to educate the public regarding this subject. Thank you so much, >From Linda Smith, Proud doggy Mom of Zoe Mae and Prissy! **************Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp&icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010)
