Celebrate the Holidays - Be Kind To The Animals

While nothing may seem more thoughtful than a puppy or kitten for Christmas, put a lot of thought into it before adopting one or purchasing one for a friend or family member. Companion animals require a lot of responsibility. Veterinary care, flea treatment and other preventive care, food and shelter, and most important, training and quality time with their human family, can all add up to a very large, timely commitment. Many people do not have that time or are not willing to make the commitment to care that an animal needs.

Before giving an animal as a gift, consider the person's lifestyle that will be receiving the new puppy or kitten. Do they have the financial resources needed to properly care for a companion animal? Do they have the time to invest in training, exercise, and quality play time? Will they be able to keep the animal in the house?

Animals need more than just food and water. They need to be shown love and care far above the basics of food and shelter. If you know someone that can and will provide all of these things, adopt an animal from the shelter and make two lives much happier!

Companion animals enrich our lives in so many ways, and for many people, they are like family memebers. Thousands of animals are euthanized every day in the United States because there are simply not enough homes for them all. By adopting from the shelter and having your own animals spayed and neutered, you are helping reduce the numbers of unwanted animals.

But remember, not everyone is prepared for the commitment of a new puppy or kitten. Sadly, many "Christmas gift animals" are returned to the shelter. If you don't plan on giving an animal as a gift, you can still help the animals by donating food and toys to your local shelter.