Whenever I hear a sentence that starts with, "I'm getting a puppy for Christmas" or "I'm giving a puppy for Christmas," I cringe. Shudder. It's 'bout near impossible for me to keep a poker face. I shake my head. I know all too well what's going to happen. Not with all, but some. There are quite a few who could up that number to most.
One of the many stories that comes to mind happened about 8 years ago. A woman I knew wanted to give her Mom a puppy for Christmas. The puppy was 6 months of age. Her intent was good. Her Mom was lonely and she felt the companionship would be welcomed and it would get her Mom out of the house. Her Mom spent most of her days and evenings in front of the TV. At least, with a puppy, she'd have to take her out and go for walks.
Within a month, it became obvious this was not the wisest of ideas. The novelty wore off after a few weeks. The entire kitchen floor was covered in newspapers. Her Mom struggled financially so she was unable to provide adequate medical care for flea, tick and heartworm preventive. The puppy was never taken outside unless there were visitors.
Things got worse. The motivation to change the newspaper on the kitchen floor, where the puppy peed and pooped, declined. The puppy started doing her business elsewhere in the house.
It was a mess.
After a month, I stepped in. Put my foot down. A week later, I reached out to a rescue group and explained the situation. They replied within a day. The woman and her Mom wasn't happy with me, however, in the best interest of the puppy, it's what had to be done. The rescue group took this puppy in with open arms. I made a donation and we kept in touch.
This is one of the many examples of why giving a puppy, or any aged pup, is not a good idea.
The Christmas season seems to be the peak season for giving pups as gifts. The kids want a puppy so the parents give in. Or, someone knows of someone who "could use a pup in their life."
Then...
About a month or two, or six, later, these pups are brought to the shelters or abandoned for one reason or another.
Too much work.
Not enough time to spend with the puppy.
They didn't realize the time involved was this much.
The puppy chewed up sneakers and other shoes.
The puppy chewed the sofa cushion.
The puppy keeps peeing on the carpet.
They can't handle all the barking.
They didn't realize someone in the household had an allergy to dogs.
The expense is too much.
It's just not working out.
The list goes on and it's extensive.
Bottom line, don't give a puppy or pup to anyone as a gift. They require a tremendous amount of time, love, patience and money. This shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a lifetime commitment. Pups are not disposable. They're not temporary. They're not a novelty.
End of story...
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