Puppies Under the Christmas Tree

A puppy for Christmas might sound like a great idea, but it is a long term commitment. Discuss the idea, don't make an impulse buy.

Just imagine the look of surprise and the squeals of delight you would experience if your children found an adorable, fuzzy puppy under the Christmas tree. It would truly be a moment to capture on film or video and remember for years to come. The problem is, the moment turns into years of commitment. Training a puppy takes time and patience, as well as willingness to deal with the occasional mess. The point is, bringing home a puppy for Christmas is very appealing but it is something that has to be given a lot of thought and discussion.

Many puppies end up in shelters a few weeks or months after Christmas because the recipient can't or doesn't want to spend the time and money required for puppy care. The decision to bring a puppy into your family needs to be made with the input and understanding of everyone. Is Mom going to be the only one to take care of and clean up after the newest family member? Will Dad get stuck taking the puppy out for walks in the rain? What will happen to Sparky when the family wants to travel? These are just a few of the things that need to be discussed and agreed upon by the family prior to bringing home a puppy.

Do you know if you want a big dog or a small dog? Have you done research if you want a specific breed, or do you want to adopt a pet from the shelter? If you still want to surprise the kids with a pet for Christmas, after the grownups have come to an agreement, you can put a collar and leash in a box and wrap that as a gift...the kids will figure it out quickly enough! Then, all the details can be discussed as a family before you bring the pup home. Visiting the local animal shelter as a family is a good way for everyone to have their say in which furry new friend you will bring home. Its also a wonderful opportunity to teach the children about animals in shelters and how adopting a pet saves homeless animals.

So, before you decide to make a new puppy your Christmas surprise, think carefully about whether you are committed for the long haul. It would be great to see animals in shelters find homes at Christmas, rather than see animals brought to the shelter after Christmas.

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