The following editorial appeared in The Commercial- News, of Danville, Illinois, a CNHI newspaper. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Tribune-Democrat.
More than a few commercials this time of year show families welcoming a new puppy or kitten into their household. Pets are wonderful additions to people’s lives, but those thinking about giving an animal as a gift should think twice.
Animals should not be a surprise gift. One of the saddest things that can happen is for a family to have to turn over a new pet to a local animal shelter a few weeks after the holidays.
There are ways to add a new pet to the mix to make sure both the animals and the people are happy.
Many shelters allow people to foster animals. It allows people to figure out whether a pet is right for them while assisting the shelter at the same time.
Puppies and kittens can be cute – and come with huge responsibilities.
If the recipient family agrees to accept an animal, the giver should consider paying the adoption fee at a local shelter.
That way, the family can visit with the animals and hopefully find one that matches their lifestyle. Shelter animals make great pets, especially older dogs and cats that often are overlooked.
For those who want to help animals but don’t want to tackle adoption, donations can be made to local shelters in someone else’s name. Volunteers also can lend a hand in the shelter to ensure all the animals continue to receive the care they need.
For those on a gift list who already have an animal, the gift of a spaying or a neutering not only helps the recipient with the cost of the procedure, but also helps reduce the number of unwanted puppies and kittens that shelters must accommodate.
Adding an animal to your family can be one of the most rewarding things people can do. The unconditional love and companionship from a pet can be matched by few other things in life.
Animals, however, should not be gifts. They should be thoughtful, carefully considered decisions.
This holiday, choose one of the ways to help families make the right choice about a pet or make donations in the name of others to support the shelters.
That way, Christmas will remain merry for both the people and the animals involved.
