If you or somebody you know buys a puppy for somebody else, for a holiday gift, AFTER reading this post, you seriously need help, because something is wrong with you.
Dogs are living breathing creatures. Dogs have very specific needs that last their lifetime, which can be up to 15 years. If these needs are not met, the dog will not have a good life, nor will it’s humans.
If those three sentences don’t paint an incredibly simple justification for NOT giving a puppy a gift then you already fall into the mentally challenged category, and I suppose I will have to continue this rant in efforts to educate you.
A GIFT OR A NEW SET OF CHORES?
Would you give a child as a gift? Why not? Ohhhhhhhh, that’s different right? How?
Both REQUIRE large amounts of dedicated time to raise properly. We are not talking about a fish that you leave alone and feed once in a while. Dog require daily time, energy, and commitment to raise properly. Those requirements don’t go away and a dog has the potential of being a part of your family for many years. When those requirements are not met, you get a smorgasbord of undesirable behaviors including increased potential for aggression which could lead to a human getting hurt. In MANY cases, it results in the dog being brought to a shelter and doomed to a very unpleasant fate.
Animal shelters are preparing for the post holiday rush. They are well aware of the ignorant and inconsiderate habit of humans to buy dogs for each other as gifts. This goes back to my frustration at the overall state of “un-education” on dogs in this country. People simply have not been taught what a dog is, and what they require. This is part of the reason this blog exists.
CAN YOU RESPONSIBLY OWN A DOG?
So lets talk about the seriousness of owning a dog. Ask yourself or somebody considering getting one the following questions….
Am I prepared to get up at the same time, every day, of every week, of every month, of every year, for up to 15 years?
– Even if it’s cold?
– Even if it’s raining?
– Even if I’m sick?
– Even if I was up late enjoying the company of Jim Beam and Jack and Daniel?
Am I prepared to dedicate at LEAST 90 minutes a day to directly stimulating my dog’s mind and body, every day, for up to 15 years?
– Even if I’m tired
– Even if I’m upset
– Even if I have other things to do
– Even if I simply don’t feel like it
Am I prepared to provide regular medical care, both preventative and reactionary regardless of cost or inconvenience?
– Even if Id rather spend my money on something else
ANOTHER GIFT OPTION PERHAPS?
Listen, this is just a brief snippit of a much larger picture that is dog ownership. I could go on forever, but its pointless. Bottom line, dogs are a huge responsibility that require years of dedicated time and energy. Why on earth would you just drop that on somebody? That’s one heck of a burden to put on someone as a gift. Ever heard of an Xbox or Playstation? How about a gift certificate to a favorite store. But to purchase something that requires so much? How is that fair not just to the dog, but to the person you are giving it to?
MY GIFT TO MYSELF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
I’m getting a new camera this holiday. One of the first things I am going to do with my new toy is go “undercover”. Pet stores and flea market breeders contribute to this inconsiderate and utterly irresponsible practice of holiday puppy gifting. I will be going into pet stores and flea markets to confront them and their deeds, as well as provide viewers with some insight to why you should not endorse these types of businesses.
If you need to get some holiday shopping done just go to Amazon. They didn’t pay me to say that, but with me referring them as a shopping option, maybe that’s one less puppy that gets given as a gift, neglected because it really wasn’t wanted, then left in a shelter until forgotten about by society.
KD
I’ve seen this same message a lot lately, but usually couched in more warm & fuzzy language…I appreciate you putting it so bluntly…Thank you
As much as I do be conscious of my delivery, some issues need sugar removed, not added. This is about saving dogs to me, and I think a little bit of brutal honesty is necessary.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Gizmo! I need to stop by your blog to see some new pictures of your recent adventures!
KD
I love this post. The idea of someone giving another person a puppy as a gift is hilarious. ARE YOU MAD? Forget responsibility and time, do you KNOW how much a puppy costs? I have three, they’re a lovable fortune.
This is just a mean gift. Both for the dog and the would be owner.
lol@ lovable fortune…..YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!! In addition to the time costs, the financial obligations of dog ownership are nothing to scoff at!
Bravo…well said. I was an ACO for our local shelter when they made 101 dalmatians (live version) we were inundated with dalmatian puppies. Nobody did any research about the breed before they ran out and got one for the kiddies. Same principle. Live animals should never be a gift unless the one receiving has asked and is knows what they are signing on for. My dogs are my family…they sleep inside they have a big yard, go for car rides and they will eat before I do. They will also see the vet if needed before I see my doctor. They come first period!! Thanks again for your post!
Wow…..I can only imagine what that dalmatian situation looked like. Just more evidence of the lack of planning, forethought, and general awareness of the reality of dog ownership.
Thank you for viewing and commenting!
Couldn’t agree more, and I’ve been preaching the same thing over on my own blog. Living, breathing animals are not gifts – they’re 10-15 year commitments, and YOU don’t have the right to make that kind of commitment for anyone except yourself. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for commenting Christina….10-15 years is such a powerful concept that many do not even think about….
.I’ll be sure to swing by your blog and check it out!
Again, well done KD! I love your no nonsense approach… You’ve helped us a ton with Kodak (or new Pitbull – 4 mths ago I didn’t think I’d let a pitbull’s mouth near my face, but you’ve helped to turn her into a slobbery kissable fool! I love her hugs and kisses!)
I agree tho in not giving puppies as gifts. It took a month of praying and thinking before we decided to get Kodak. Not easy by any means, but I love her more and more every day. I enjoy our one on one time training and walking. Thanks again KD!!
I’m glad you enjoy! I am even more glad you took the time prior to getting Kodak as now you are reaping the rewards of a well thought out and planned decision! Be sure to comment any questions you have on any of the other articles so we can work together to keep that relationship growing and getting stronger!