By Deborah Sheehy
There are heart-warming stories to heart breaking tales of people and pets. As I contemplated what I would say about the subject of Christmas and pets, I had mixed emotions about this whole great big mess (we as people) have created with animals. Bottom line is that there are way too many human beings (and I use that word lightly), who treat animals as though they are toys... an amusement for the moment... something disposable. So my goal is to attempt to get you to think about the risks, dangers, responsibilities and commitment in owning animals.
Christmas is coming and I can hear little puppies being put in boxes to surprise little Bobbie and Sally on Christmas morning only to find the dog dehydrated, beaten up a bit and tossed out into the back yard just days or even hours after it's arrival. You see, puppies are cute but do you understand the damage they can produce in a home? Are you prepared for all the trials that a new puppy can create? If not, I'm begging you NOT to bring home any animals for Christmas presents! As a matter of fact, many rescue missions won't allow adoptions during this time of year because most purchases of animals during Christmas result in returns.
Pet stores will tell you whatever you want to hear to get you to buy, buy, buy. But if you only knew the background on how the majority of those animals are bred and cared for before reaching your local pet shops, you'd drop down and faint. But we really don't want to hear it do we? We'd rather 'think' that all is well in the pet business and that nothing is rotting behind the scenes. In some cases you'd be right. But in the majority, you'll find breeding mills with cages stacked high, with no lights, no love and no medical attention. You'll find these mills behind tall privacy fences so no one can see, and located far away from populated areas so no one can hear. Then there's transportation to your local pet shop... They're crammed into large, hot, sometimes unventilated containers and carted around to meet the needs of consumers. Don't think for a moment that the animal you've bought has been treated with tender loving care from the moment it was born. When you buy from pet stores, you become part of the problem.
I encourage you to avoid pets for Christmas presents. Even if you can find an agency willing to allow adoptions, do yourself a favor and don't baulk at the requirements of the adoption agency. Be thankful they care enough for their pets that they want to make sure you understand all the implications of bringing an animal into your home. Pet stores don't care if you know what you're getting in to. They simply look at their bottom line, where as rescue missions first and only priority is the welfare of the animals. They've seen the abuse and neglect these animals have had to endure and now they are protecting them against future stress. Just please contemplate the idea of giving animals for presents... and be sure you're up for the commitment.
