13 Dec 2016

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Avoid Pricy Presents and Please…No Pets as Gifts!

By Bonny King-Taylor, the doggy lama, pet coach

There are some pretty exotic, and expensive ideas out there for pet gifts, including a $40,000 dog house shaped like the Taj Mahal and $135,000 diamond dog collar.

 

One of the most popular high-end gifts this season is the much advertised treat camera

These miracles of modern technology allow you to watch your dog when s/he’s right in front of lens, dispense treats and, ‘play’ with your dog when they are in front of the lens. The problem is, you then go back to work and your dog is left riled up and wondering where you went! It’s better to let your pup rest during the day (and have a dog walker). Save the treating for when you are home.

In last week’s column, you will find much more reasonably priced gifts!

Please do not give pets as holiday gifts

A heartbreaking percentage of pets adopted or purchased in December end up in shelters come January. This causes terrible shame for the recipients who cannot keep the animals and an even worse strain of limited shelter resources who take them in.

Having a pet is a lifetime commitment that comes with financial, time, learning and patience requirements that cannot be taken lightly.

A pet should never be a surprise

Even those adorable ‘surprise’ videos on youtube usually indicate that there has almost always been a discussion about getting a new pet before the big reveal…AND that the receiver has already had a pet.

If you do decide to give a pet, gift only to people with whom you are in regular contact. That way, if something goes wrong, you can step in. Most rescues require an owner to return a pet to them before resorting to a shelter or craigslist. You can be an extra source of support.

Consider a better gift

If you want to help a loved one get a pet, offer that person a gift certificate to use at a shelter when the time is right. A google search of local pet rescues offers a dozen options.

Petfinder also offers a Pet Promise Certificate for this purpose.

Pair the certificate with a gift basket filled with new pet essentials like toys, a collar, a leash, healthy treats, food and a bed or litter box. Pinterest is brimming with ideas.

We also encourage you to include gift certificates for dog walks or cat sits from Saving Grace Petcare,

Or, pet coaching with me, the doggy lama (especially for first-time dog people or folks who have never had a pet of their own).

For families on the Hill, I have a solid track record for helping families sift through their options to find the very best new family member. Recent successes include both a young dog for a family with small children and a puppy to train as a blood sugar alert dog.

If you end up on the receiving end of a pet present

Look past your first impulses and think hard about whether or not you truly want to follow through on a 10-15 year commitment.

If not, you have options:

  • If the pet comes from a breeder, chances are good they have a strict return policy
  • If the pet comes from a shelter, seek out a rescue organization that has foster homes
    • You can even offer to foster while they find a new home for your gift
  • If you opt for a shelter, consider supporting them with financial or food/supply support
  • Never be ashamed of doing what is right for you and the creature

Please share this information with friends and family to make the holidays brighter for people AND pets.

 

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