Issue Date: December 14, 2003
Pups as presents?
'Tis the season when I receive lots of letters from parents who wonder whether they should give in to their child's begging and buy a puppy as a holiday gift.
Unfortunately, getting a family dog often is an emotional decision based on impulse or pressure. As a result, too many pups end up homeless and abandoned. Stephanie Shain of the Humane Society of the United States says the post-holiday season is the biggest "doggie dumping" period of the year. "Once the glow of the holidays is over and things get back to normal, many families realize they don't want to deal with the responsibility," she says.
Before giving your child a dog, consider the following:
Be sure you want the dog as much as your child does. Yes, she's responsible, reliable and a true dog lover. But what happens if after-school activities take up all her time, or she goes away to college? Ultimately, you are responsible.
Do your homework. Get a book on doggie care, and talk with your child about how much effort you're both willing to put into puppy upkeep. Does he have a certain type of dog in mind? Read a book on that specific breed so you know about its temperament and any special grooming or diet needs.
Take a trial run. Watch a friend's dog while she's away, and see how your family deals with the extra responsibility.
If you decide a dog isn't right for your family now, explain to your child the exact reasons why. Saying no to a great kid who truly wants a four-legged friend may make you feel like a fiend. But stay firm if your gut tells you now is not the time. A dog is a living creature, not a toy you can try out for a few weeks and return.
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