What not to buy as a Christmas gift

It's December!!!!

Do you know what that means?

Carols.... good food.....family....friends....and PRESENTS!!!!!

Do you know what makes an absolutely AMAZING gift????

A blender is a good gift.

Lots of things.


But NOT pets!!!!

 Wait...did I just tell you NOT to buy/adopt a new best friend as a gift for your girlfriend or child? Yea, I did. Why, you ask? Why when we are so adamant about adoptions would I ever come up with a reason not to do it?

Well, my friends...let me tell you.

Every Christmas people run out and purchase/adopt puppies, kittens, hamsters, fish, birds....all kinds of living critters. They think this will be the BEST Christmas present for little Johnny or little Jane. And, it probably will be!

That is, until that cute puppy or kitten starts chewing things, shedding, whining, barking, licking, pooping, peeing, and costing money.

I'm not saying not to adopt, I'm not even saying not to adopt in December. What I'm saying is that a pet is a lifetime commitment. You cannot bestow the gift of a life on someone as a gift, without the proper preparations and research.  There is so much that goes into caring for this fuzzy new life, that sometimes we get caught up in the excitement of the holidays and wanting to give our kids or spouses the best present possible, and it's always with good intentions. But with good intentions also comes a healthy dose of reality, and the sad truth is that this is the same reality that will fill shelters and rescues to the max come January, February, and March. Castoff Christmas pets will be dumped on them, and many will be put to sleep because the funds and space just are not there to compensate for the rush.

So, please DO consider adopting a puppy or dog.....but DON'T surprise someone with it. Do your research, prepare yourself, and plan to have this new cuddle buddy for the rest of his or her life, not just until the newness wears off.