2006-12-10 13:19:01 · 22 answers · asked by Mississippi River 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Not really. Pets do not make good gifts because they require ongoing care and are a responsibility that not everyone wants. If a person asks for a pet, I would take them out to choose the pet. A pet is a very personal choice. Not all animals have the same personality and interact differently with people. Many animals are neglected or taken to the pound because they weren't wanted, the person is not mature enough to take care of them, or they just weren't a good fit.
2006-12-10 13:31:56 · answer #1 · answered by Faith 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes and no. Yes, a pet is always a good idea; no for the Christmas Day thing.
Animal experts get on the news every year and tell people to get a new pet AFTER the holidays, when the house is calm and the pet ( and you) can adjust to the changes of new surrounding, a new owner, schedule changes for feeding and other pet care, etc. without stressing the animal out.
If you insist on giving a pet, wrap a box with a stuffed dog or cat or bird ( or whatever animal) in it, and a note saying when after the holidays you will go to get the pet. ( Unless they're fish-- they only remember things for 30 seconds, so I don't think they would care much). Hope that helps.
2006-12-10 23:28:02 · answer #2 · answered by Flea© 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No. Most people who give and receive pets don't realize they are work and money to keep. Especially if you give a kid a pet. The novelty wears off as soon as the parents are forced to care for the pet because the kid won't or doesn't know how. Alot of parents take the responsibility themselves instead of teaching it to their children. If toys are any indication (they tire of them in a week or month), I would definitely feel sorry for any pet who went through the same potential neglect.
Pets are great for some people but, when in doubt, go with something else.
2006-12-10 22:08:12 · answer #3 · answered by Cinnamon 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i think it has the potential to be a great present and a disaster. If you're going to give a pet as a chrissy prezzie you gotta ask their parents first or if their adults then suttly ask them like "hey why don't you get a dog" and if they say no because such and such then don't get it!! If they are warm towards the idea then sure. But i strongly urge you check because if it is against the wish of the family or person then the pet's fate is looking grim. The story of an unwanted pet is a sad one. Don't give an animal this fate.
2006-12-10 21:26:53 · answer #4 · answered by Aly K 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That largely depends on the recipient. I think it would only make a good present if you know, beyond doubt, that they would love it and take care of it well. That means it would have to be someone you know very well!
For example, if you knew beyond doubt that your best friend wanted a kitten (ie; you've heard them say they want a kitten), then I think it could be a great gift.
If you give a pet to someone that can't handle it, you are both burdening the recipient and dooming the animal to a life of negligence.
2006-12-10 21:35:47 · answer #5 · answered by Geoffrey B 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It depends a lot on the person, if they really truly like animals, and if they really want one. If you're thinking about giving it to a child, ask the parents first. If you're thinking about giving it to a friend, make sure that they can handle the responsibility. You don't want to give the pet with good intentions only to find out that your friend can't handle it, and it ends up in a pound. :(
I'm not saying it's a bad idea, I'm just saying be very careful. Make sure that they REALLY want an animal. Unless it's a goldfish or something, then that's okay :) (I'm assuming you're thinking of giving your friend a cat or a dog?)
2006-12-10 21:22:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
No never,it might be cute and cuddly for a few weeks,then when it gets bigger it isn't so much fun anymore. Besides,there is so much usually going on at Christmas time nobody has or takes the proper time to spend with it. Also the hazards of having Holiday decorations around where they can chew on them or swallow them.
2006-12-12 11:10:09 · answer #7 · answered by grbarnaba 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no! haven't you ever seen all the reports on all the unwanted pets that are ditched after Christmas? Dogs and cats live for years and can be demanding, you shouldn't force that on someone or buy a cute puppy who quickly grows and suddenly isn't seen as so cute anymore. Now if it's just like a hamster and the person said before that they would love a hamster, now that would be better.
2006-12-10 21:29:19 · answer #8 · answered by u_wish1984 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If the pet is for a little one that has been bugging you for one maybe. I adopted a dog 3 weeks ago yesterday (sat.) and humane societys usually screen the applicants very carefully before allowing an adoption. Just be sure that you are getting the animal for the right reasons and not just to give a gift.
2006-12-10 21:39:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
yes, if the person who you are giving the pet to is responsible and has time to take care of the pet.
2006-12-11 11:34:23 · answer #10 · answered by Jenn 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋