Surprising a loved one with a puppy this Christmas could cause more heartache than happiness….for the family and the pet.
Cookeville Putnam County Animal Shelter Director Jennifer Tracy said recipients should be involved with choosing the dog. Tracy said most times when people adopt, they develop a connection with a dog that will last. Sometimes that connection does not happen on Christmas morning.
“We have people come in here all the time, they’ve seen one of our dogs on Facebook or one of our adoption sites,” Tracy said. “They come in thinking, yes, that’s the one for them, but then they walk through the kennels and connect with a totally different dog.
Tracy said parents will be the responsible party for dogs gifted to children, as it is unrealistic to expect a smaller child to take on the full responsibility of an animal. Tracy said parents should prepare themselves to handle dog ownership when gifting their child a dog, so there is very much a connection.”
“If that’s something that they don’t want to be taking on, then they should probably pass on it,” Tracy said. “Maybe start with an easier, entry-level pet than a dog.”
Tracy said those looking to support loved ones looking for a dog should gift an adoption certificate or dog care supplies.
Tracy said a new dog can be nervous coming into a new space, as they have never seen the recipient before. Tracy said it is easiest to bring a new animal into a quiet, normal situation. Tracy said it is best to save the excitement for when they have settled into the environment.
“You know, with all the chaos and excitement of Christmas morning, that’s not the ideal time to bring a new pet in,” Tracy said. “They’ve got enough of their own stress adjusting to that environment.”
Tracy said people should consider their lifestyle, time and funds for animal training and overall cost of health maintenance before adopting or gifting an animal. Tracy said those looking to adopt should research breeds before choosing a dog, as breeds vary in lifestyle demands for time and exercise.
“It’s a sizable investment over the course of a year,” Tracy said. “So all of those things need to be considered before making that commitment, because it is a commitment.”
Tracy said years ago the shelter saw many animals returned after the holiday season ended. Tracy said she thinks education around dog breeds has helped cut down on this issue. Tracy said buyers are exercising more restraint, impulse buying dogs with less frequency around Christmas.
“It still happens, but not with the greatest frequency,” Tracy said. “I do think adopters are being more responsible in thinking that through.”