I see many people making posts on-line requesting "cute cuddly kitten/puppy needed for gift for my sweetheart". My heart sinks whenever I see this! Even more often than the above mentioned request, I see ads posted and animals being brought into the shelter from people who received said animals as gifts from lovers or loved ones.
Don't get me wrong, I think the idea of giving a loved one a companion (especially if this is something they have been longing for) is a romantic and thoughtful gesture, but I wish, hope, and pray that everyone who thinks of doing this goes through the right steps to ensure that this "transaction" will work!
Many shelters are now offering the option of a gift certificates. This is WONDERFUL for those who live near a shelter who has a large availability of animals. This allows the ability for you to pay for the adoption fee up front and give something tangible to the receiver. A great idea is that you can get your loved one a cute stuffed animal as the initial gift and attach the gift certificate or IOU note as the primary gift. This way allows for your loved one to prepare for the arrival of their new companion. Making sure that their home is safe for animals, that they have food/water/toys all ready available.
Companion animals are so personal! Each one has their own personality and identity and to think that you would be able to figure out which animal that person would fit perfectly with is foolish. Yea, the person might always be talking about how cute they think Shih Tzus (as an example) are and how much they want one, but that doesn't mean they are truly prepared for one at that moment. I have even seen some people giving up animals who received them when they aren't even allowed to have animals in their homes due to lease agreements. Well good lord, that should have been easy enough to figure out before getting someone a pet. In addition, people sometimes crave little puppies or kittens because they are cute and fluffy. They grow out of this!!! And after they are out of their young stage, they person actually has to love the animal for their unique personality and traits!
Most importantly pets are not gifts that should be given as a surprise! If your loved one truly wants one and would appreciate the gesture, it will not take the "fun" out of the idea by posing the question in advance and planning the event together.
Animals are not sweaters or little objects to be traded. They are not something you should have because they are in fashion (thank you so much Paris Hilton and all you Celebutants who have cause tremendous growth in the pocket puppy over-population). They take lots of time, money, and planning in order to give them the proper home that they need. They are living creatures and they change and grow old and get sick. As a guardian of a companion animal you must take the responsibilities that come with them. It makes it harder when you need to move because many rental units and condos don't allow animals. It makes it harder to go away on vacation because you either need to accommodate taking your pet along with you or find suitable arrangements for care at home (which can be expensive).
Just now posted on Craigslist while I was typing out this entry: "My boyfriend got me a 10 week old doberman puppy for valentines day but our landlord wont let us keep her. She's such a sweetheart and we've already gotten attached to her but we're renting and can't keep her. We're asking an adoption fee of the $400 we paid for her."
*hand-waiving freak-outery!*
The insanity continues: "10 weeks old male, very cute, white fur, green eyes, pink noise one of a kind maltese puppy. Got the puppy for my wife for Valentines day and found my mom who lives with us to be allergic to him so can't keep the little guy."
Thursday, February 14, 2008
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