PSA: Please don't give animals as Christmas gifts.

[AngryDem001]

I know I am a day late, but I just wanted to say this. Please don't give kittens or puppies as gifts unless you know that the receiver is WILLING and ABLE to care for a pet. And regardless if they are willing and able, DO NOT spring it on them as a surprise UNLESS you know that they really, really want a furry or feathered or scaly friend.

I don't mean to come across as a Grinch, but too many furbabies end up at shelters over the holidays due to this very thing.

[strawberries]

1. I hear you

I hate when I hear someone got a pet for Christmas because by February they have been abused or left to die. Not all, but enough.

I want another pet, so I am waiting for one to get dumped at my local shelter

You didn't come across as a Grinch just a kind honest pet lover

[PoliticAverse]

2. Indeed giving an unsolicited 15 or so year care obligation to someone is rather thoughtless. n/t

[Thinkingabout]

3. I love animals and think your idea is a great one. Puppies and kittens are really cute and adorable

But they grow up and many do nit have the patience to house break them. They get mad and dump the animals. I got a rescue two year old, still has to house break her in November 2013. I could sense areas of abuse but she is now my constant companion, well worth the effort to give her love and now she gives more love than I could ever.

[Go Vols]

4. I gave 2 pygmy goats

as a present 3 years ago,now there are 9.I gave a cock and hen peafowl this year as a present.All will be well cared for.

[gollygee]

5. So what you're saying

is that the partridge, turtle doves, french hens, calling birds, and swans a-swimming were a bad idea?

[strawberries]

6. LOL nt

[AngryDem001]

9. Haha!

VERY bad idea!

[Sheldon Cooper]

10. On the other hand, geese-a-laying is always a thoughtful gift.

[PoliticAverse]

11. If you've even heard a single geese squawking you'd know what 6 would do

to someone's sanity.

[Sherman A1]

7. While I agree with Your concept

I might point out that Christmas was yesterday and one suspects that most gift giving is already completed.

[AngryDem001]

8. As I stated in my post,

I know I am a day late, but the message is still valid.

[LiberalEsto]

12. And be mindful that puppies and kittens are taken from their mothers and littermates

and will be upset over the separation. Add to that the holiday bustle and unfamiliar surroundings, and you have potential issues like howling, bladder and bowel accidents, etc. They are still babies, and the new owners should keep this in mind.

[paleotn]

13. Absolutely correct.

...to me, taking on the care of a pet is a life long commitment, for the life of your animal companion, and not to be taken lightly. They love us unconditionally. We should give them no less.

[Rhiannon12866]

14. And it's also a very busy and stressful time of year

Not the best time to introduce a new member of the family who's going to need a lot of time and care.

[Treant]

15. We did this once, but

the person already wanted a cat, and we merely paid for said cat. He picked out the cat at the ASPCA and we wrote the check.

Then, when he died, we adopted said cat as he'd known us his entire life already anyway. He took a while to adjust, but turned around and attached to us perfectly well. That was one great animal.

However, that's the only case where I'd give an animal as a gift--I write the check, the person in question makes the choice (and can say no at any time during the process and I'll get them a sweater or something instead).

[JI7]

16. Do many pEople do that ? that would be really stupid

[TorchTheWitch]

20. unfortunately, yes

And not only should the recipient be both willing and able they need to be able to pick out the furbaby of their choice.

Having a pet is a huge responsibility, and people that make the decision to have one need to be both willing and able but also be able to chose what particular pet they want considering species, breed, size, temperament, any health ramifications, and everything else that goes into the choice.

[bvf]

17. You're no grinch--great advice.

My daughter was given a shelter kitten by her fiancé.

Believe me, that cat is set for life, but it's a shame there are people out there who need to heed your message.

[niyad]

18. nothing grinchy about this--giving pets as though they are commodities is thoughtless and cruel.

the only kinds of exceptions I can see are like the post below--wherein the giver and the givee were in agreement--no surprises.

[Katashi_itto]

19. I gave people I know a 40 ft Boa Constrictor. I starved it first.

I don't like them too much.



















Yes I am joking....