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Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Do You Think Pets Should Be Given as Gifts?
I'm listening to my favorite morning radio show and they're doing a segment on helping listeners find hard to get items for Christmas. One guy called in and said he's looking for a dark brown ferret for his daughter. No one has called in to tell him where he can find it.
Do you think pets should be given as a gift? I think it's not a big deal if a parent gets their child a pet as the gift. I think it may not be a hot idea if you surprise your bf/gf with a puppy on Christmas morning though. "Merry Christmas! Here's 15 years of responsibilities and commitment."
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Re: Do You Think Pets Should Be Given as Gifts?
I think it's okay, but it should never be a "surprise". The person, even a child, needs to have expressed serious interest in the particular animal previously.
My aunt's dog died several years ago and everyone knew she wanted another one and even what kind, so they all chipped in to buy her one for Christmas. This was acceptable to me.
I think its okay. But defiantly the giver should be sure that the recipient really wants a new pet. I got a kitty from "Santa" when I was about 10. My parents had heard me beg for one for MONTHS and one of my aunt's friends had a 5 month old boy that needed a good home because they were moving. So that's what Santa brought me.
And my new girl is kind of a Christmas present from my Dad. He was so excited and really wanted us to get a girl doxie when we said we were thinking about getting Simon a friend. So funny.
Anyways. As long as its mutually agreed on that someone wants a pet I think its okay.
I can sort of get behind giving your kid a pet as a present, but not in the wrap-it-up-with-air-holes-under-the-tree kind of way. I would tell the kid that we are going to pick out a pet, do some searching with him as to what to look for when you're picking out a dog or cat and what kind of care will be required once the animal comes home.
Then go out and get everything you'll need for the pet and bring it home, set it up, wash it out, whatever. THEN go pick out the pet. Then immediately sign the child and pet up for obedience classes together.
That way the kid will sort of understand what a huge deal having a pet is.
Getting other people pets as presents? Never.
I agree with you, it's one thing if it's a parent who's going to have primary responsibility anyway, but to pick out an animal for a different owner without letting that person help pick out a pet with a compatible personality, grooming standards, and energy level is setting the poor animal up for being rehomed. Plus, they cost money to maintain.
ETA: Come to think of it, my parents got me a fish tank when I was 12 and we did all that stuff first, learn how to set up and clean the tank, how to pick out food, how often to feed, THEN we went and picked out fish together. And fish aren't nearly the commitment of a furry animal.
I am along the same lines as this. I heard on the tv the other day an alternative would be a giftbasket with some puppy supplies and a gift card to a local animal shelter.
My 1st dog (on the left) was given to me as a Christmas present by DH (who was then my boyfriend). Best Christmas Ever
I have no problem with it as long as the person has expressed a desire for a pet and is able to take care of it themselves (I would never give a child that isn't mine a pet as a gift unless the parents ok'ed it).
My husband would chase you down! Normally, I'd be open to pet sitting or being someone's doggy family care plan though!
We've been seriously discussing the possibility of opening a Camp Bow Wow location here since we have no doggy daycares. It's expensive, but I think we'd turn a profit within a few years. I'm dreaming big.
Co-signed. My Step Mother got my Step Brother a puppy for his Golden Birthday at 5 years old, IMO 5 is too young for the responsibility of a pet but I think that's a great age to start the conversation. Since I was 3 years old, I've wanted a dog - but my mom is not a dog person so she never got me one. Looking back I'm glad she didn't because I was able to research breeds, and a breeder and do it the right way.
We will already have a dog by the time we have kids, but if there is ever a time when they want a dog I'll start the conversations with them, explain the work/responsibility etc but I don't think I would give them it as a present for Christmas or a Birthday. I would set a goal with them and have the pet be the reward.