Pets as Holiday Gifts: Good or Bad Idea? by Catherine Simms

Pets as Gifts: Bad Idea!

Why do you think that the animal shelter population always increases right after the Holiday Season? It is very difficult to resist that cute little bundle of joy in the window, isn't it? Well, please restrain your enthusiasm!

You should not surprise family members or anyone, with animals as gifts! Uncle Albert might not feel that lonely. He might not want a furry companion whom he would have to walk and feed. He might not have the time or the patience...

There are so many reasons why pets should not be given as Holiday gifts. Remember that a Pet will live an average of fifteen years: this is a very serious commitment... You should not make that decision for anyone else! And you do not want your Gift to be returned or placed in a shelter, do you?

The Holiday Season is always a very busy and chaotic time for everyone: shopping. cooking. preparing for the festivities, going to parties, etc. The pet might become frightened and disoriented. It is probably not the best time to introduce a new pet to an unfamiliar environment and new faces.

Animal Products as Gifts: Good Idea!

There are other ways to bring Pet Love into a home during the Holidays:

Give a pet oriented gift to the family so each member can get a taste of the Pet Love and have time to discuss and prepare to the idea of having a new four-legged friend before they actually get one.

* A dog training manual to show them that a lot of time needs to be devoted to a pet's training and good behavior.

* A book about the different dog and cat breeds to help them choose the best pet for their family: if they choose to have a dog, they will learn about their specific different needs, temperament, etc...

* A wonderful guide to "preowned" dogs, if they decide to rescue a pet at a local shelter: "Rescue Me" by doggy author and journalist Bardi McLennan.

* A leash (they will have to walk the dog).

* Pet grooming supplies. * Pet toys.

* A pet feeder: make your gift even more unique by giving them a Whiner and diner pet feeder: these unique elevated pet dishes are hand-crafted out of wooden wine crates and can be personalized with the pet's name and unusual hand-painted designs...

Whatever gift you decide to give this Holiday Season, let pet owners to be choose their own pet, and everyone will have a Happy Holiday and a Merry Christmas!

About the Author

Catherine Simms is a French Artist, Pet Lover and Director of Marketing for Whiner and Diner Luxury Pet Feeders and Beds. http://www.whineranddiner.net