Pets as Presents

The choice of a pet is personal. What I like in a pet the person who I would give a gift to may not. For example, in dogs I like hairy, active and often big. I like a dog that would think nothing of an all day hike; higher energy dogs are my thing. I do not mind brushing and live in harmony with dust bunnies (and frequent vacuuming of most rooms in the house). How many people would put up with that? What I like in a dog makes a tough pet for the average person. No matter what we say, our personal likes and dislikes come into play. I would be miserable if someone gave me a Bulldog (English type). I think they are funny and adorable as pups; however, not my preference. A Bulldog would not fit in my home at all.

The timing of adding a pet is personal. Your sister and her husband may have talked about getting a puppy. So you decide to get them one for their anniversary. However, you did not realize they were having marital issues and are now talking divorce. A few months later, pup is embroiled in a custody battle or dumped at a shelter because neither side can take the puppy with them. Your cousin and his wife wants a Persian cat SOMEDAY. You get them one for Christmas.

However, they are trying to have a child and cannot devote the time to Kitty and baby. One has to go. Your Great grandma loves Poodles so you give her one for her birthday. However, Great grandma is not able to care for the dog due to her age. The dog ends up neglected and both are miserable. Your gift of a living, thinking creature was not a good one. There are far more factors than just "Gee, we would like someday..." and your own selfish needs to give the "perfect" gift that will need more care than a blender!

You must consider human medical issues. Are there allergies to animals in the house? Can the person physically care for the animal you wish to give? Can the person care for an animal that may develop medical issues?

OK, personal choice, timing and health have not swayed you, maybe this will. There is the time factor of a pet. For example, a puppy requires almost as much time and effort as a child in regards to properly training and socializing. If the recipient works all day, this is not the best environment for a pup. Larger parrots have been likened to manic toddlers. Would you give someone a human tot as a gift? Even "lower" maintenance critters like cats and rabbits are not really low maintenance. They require daily care and work to make them happy as well. And what about long term time factors? Some pets can live up to 75 years or more!

Larger parrots and some reptiles can out-live the owners. Even dogs and cats can be a 10 - 20 year commitment. What if the child goes to college? What if the recipient gets married or a job transfer? Well, maybe a smaller pet that does not live as long... Do not even go there. Rabbits can live up to ten years. Even smaller rodents can live three to five years. Our lives can change drastically in even a few weeks. Pets are more of a commitment than just the holidays. Unlike toys, pets cannot be shoved in a closet when the novelty wears off.