This story courtesy of the seMissourian http://www.semissourian.com/blogs/1452/entry/32081/

We are into the final countdown on shopping days until Christmas. Like a lot of people, I have barely even gotten started on my gift list. That means I will be out up until the time the stores finally lock the doors on Christmas eve. This is also the time of year when many people feel the need to either add a pet to their family or give a pet as a gift to a loved one. That is a noble gesture, but one that is sadly flawed.

This Christmas will fall on a Friday. That means many work places are allowing their employees an extra long weekend. The sentiment seems to be that since there will be extra time for celebration and time away from work, it would be an ideal time to spend bonding with a puppy. The reasoning behind this is sound. The reality behind it is the puppy is still going to be a baby, with a baby's needs, on Monday when you return to work.

We hear every year about young children receiving gifts that came in boxes they find more interesting than the toys. Puppies are wonderful and cute until it comes time to clean up the mess associated with house breaking or when you have to pick up the pieces of your brand new Christmas shoes that served as a chew toy. Unlike the interesting containers for toys, puppies can not be put on the shelf when the holiday is over. Their need for care and training will continue for many months.

Then there is the well meaning gift of a puppy that has been chosen for some one else. Chosing a companion, whether it is human or animal, is a very personal, individual process. Who knows how the attraction between people and animals actually works? My experience has been, people tend to chose their pets in the same unscientific manner they chose a mate. You just know when it is right. That means to chose an animal for some one else is almost certain to be a failure. Rarely do two people have the exact same reaction when it comes to a dog. It happens, but not often.

This is where the reality of giving pets as gifts can become a very sad reality for the pet. Most of these "gifts" end up being relinquished to shelters. Sadly this tends to happen when these gifts have gotten beyond the cute stage, have developed behavior issues and are starved for attention. That makes them less than desirable as potential pets for some one else. This happens every year in shelters and rescues all across the United States. The intention is good, but the reality is most people are ill equiped to provide the care needed to raise very young animals.

That does not mean you should not consider adding a pet to your family or that a person that means enough to you that you want to find a pet for, should not have a pet. This simply means you should stop and consider the long term responsibilities associated with pet ownership.

Pets require regular health checks, quality food and socialization, no matter their age or species. This is not cheap. When bringing puppies into your home, you must realistically consider whether you have the time needed to address house breaking, as well as the special training issues associated with very young dogs.

Everyone loves a puppy, but young children are rarely reliable when it comes to providing the care and training needed. You must stop and consider whether the person that will actually be the primary care giver is able and willing to do what is necessary to insure this pet is a valued asset to the family.

These are also points to consider when getting a pet for some one else. Can the receiver of this gift afford the care required for the entire life of this pet? Are they equipped to deal with the training needs of the pet?

When looking for a suitable pet to add to your family, do not over look the older animals. The economy has been especially hard on the family pet. So many owners have had to relinquish their pets to shelters and rescues, not because they are bad, but because they can no longer bear the financial burden. This means you can chose a deserving animal that has already been house broken and socialized. You can bring a pet into your home that is accustomed to the lifestyle of families with children and busy schedules.

If you want to find a pet for another person, most shelters and rescues will allow you to pay the adoption fees ahead of time. Then the recipiant can come in to chose the pet for themselves. This insures the best match for both the new pet owner and the pet.

For the person whose schedule does not allow time for pets, consider making a donation to a shelter or rescue in their name. This allows continued care for animals without homes and gives a sense of satisfaction to the animal lover.

Another consideration is the donation toward the veterinarian care of an animal that has suffered neglect or abuse. One such case is the female Pit Bull that was tossed out of a truck, during rush hour on I-40 just east of Memphis on December 7 of this year.

Mario Chiozza, a motorist,saw the young dog thrown from the truck's window and, as fate would have it, he was able to block traffic long enough to catch her and rush her to an emergency vet clinic. Once there, it was discovered in addition to the injuries sustained from being thrown from a moving vehicle, she also had injuries consistant with having been fought. It is thought the dog, the staff has named Savior, was the fight loser and the owners found disposing of her in rush hour traffic an acceptable end for her. This dog has also been very obviously used for breeding. Like so many Pit Bulls, her life was destined to be short and violent. Thanks to the bravery of Mr. Chiozza,and the care received at the Pope Animal Clinic, she was saved from a terrifying death.

Every shelter and rescue is faced with emergency veterinarian costs. Another wonderful way to provide continued care for animals, is to contact your local veterinarians. Find out if they have provided care for animals residing in shelters or rescues. Make a donation to help cover the medical needs of dogs like Savior in Memphis or PC, the burned dog in Caruthersville. These stories are not unique to any single location. They happen every day, every where.

My wish for all animals this Christmas is that every one should feel the warmth and love of human companionship. I know this wish will not be a reality this year. It is a wish we get closer to achieving with every person that takes the time to educate themselves to the plight of companion animals and takes the time to ease the burden shouldered by our shelters and rescues.

Merry Christmas to all and God bless us every one!