Any advice?

Question

So an acquaintance gave me a gift the other day; well, rather he came by and dropped it off on my doorstep with a "nice" note right before leaving town. It's a puppy and he said that he knew how much I loved dogs and how I'd love this one. He's right: I *do* love dogs and this one is really cute and pretty obedient and all but it is pricey to keep what with shots and food and all, kind of a hassle and it was sudden. All-in-all I don't really care to keep it.

I guess my question is: Should I be thankful? Why?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I suppose you can be thankful that he didn't drop off a pony.

Answer 2

People who give live animals as "gifts" should have their heads examined. It's a pet, not a present. And to look at it as a "gift" only perpetuates the myth that dogs make good gifts. It's not a "gift", it's a responsibility, it's a commitment, and it's a living being.

For an acquaintance to be so presumptuous as to saddle you with that commitment and responsibility without your knowledge is pretty damned rude, IMHO.

My recommendation (as someone who loves dogs and works in rescue) - contact a local rescue group and see if they would be interested in listing it for adoption and offer to foster it while they find a new home for it. Explain that it was basically dumped on you and that you want to find a proper home for it.

The dog deserves a home with someone who wants him, not someone who feels obligated or is unprepared. I don't think it makes you a bad person, I think it's keeping the best interests of the dog in mind.

Actually, I'd think it was worse if you really didn't want the dog but kept him out of a sense of obligation, and the dog ended up not getting the attention or love or interaction that he needs and deserves because you're not ready for a dog (or for that particular dog) at this time.

And if the acquaintance asks, be honest. Tell him that you weren't ready for a puppy at this point, and that you didn't have the time needed to properly raise him, so you found a home for him with someone who loves dogs and wanted him.

Answer 3

It was a nice gesture but not very well thought out. That's part of the reason why so many animals wind up in animal shelters. I would talk to him and let him know it's not cool to give someone a gift that's going to cost them money and time in the future. It would be different if you had expressed that you were looking for a dog, but what he did is not cool at all. Even if you did want a dog it would be better if you went and picked your own out that had the personality traits you were looking for.
P.S.
I'd still keep the dog it's not the dog's fault. He is just a victim of circumstance like yourself.

Answer 4

I would say NO!! I'm usually never thankful for someone for causing me an inconvenience. A puppy isn't exactly the kind of gift you can hang on the wall or put on a shelf. Your friend was pretty inconsiderate.

Put an ad in the paper and give the dog away to a good home.

Answer 5

well, this is a hard one.


yes and no.

yes i think u should be grateful and thankful because this was a truly beautiful gift, as i love puppies too. they actually arent that expensive when they get past their puppy stage. they are just like babies, they need a lot of care and attention at the start. after this the price will drop!

i think it was a lovely gesture. and it shows great thought went into it.

on the other hand.

no u shouldnt be thankful because who ever this friend was, he r she didnt stop to think that maybe u love puppies but u might not love a puppy in ur home. its up to u what u do, but if anything please just make sure the pup gets a good home if u are givin it away.

Answer 6

Well you should always be thankful for a gift. Try sitting down with your friend and explaining your concerns, I have had several pets and I more than know about the expenses involved, If there is no way for you to keep the puppy(without putting you in the poor house) tell them or look in you area for a no kill shelter or talk to your vet. First and foremost be honest with yourself and your friend.

Answer 7

no way- its ridiculus to give a gift which needs lifelong commitment, unless the person has asked for it. Its like giving someone a gift of a child just because you like children. There is a lot of resposibility in having a dog as it becomes a family member for life. Return it to your friend and explain why you cant keep it

Answer 8

Be thankful, but then again, this wasn't your suggestion right? I mean you didn't tell him 'I WANT A PUPPY!'... right?
Why don't you ask someone close to you, and tell give them the puppy and they keep it for you... You are still thankful I guess right? Ask around maybe someone is looking for a cute puppy, and give it to them (preferably someone close) so that you can always go over to their home and see 'your' puppy...
If the person who gave you the puppy comes back, I guess he shoudn't get offended, because you wern't expecting it, but yet again you still didn't throw it out...
You respected his gift but coudn't keep it due to certain circumstances...

Answer 9

That was rude of your acquaintence to do that. He's passing his problem on to you while trying to make it look like a nice gift. I would tell him you can't take care of the dog and ask him to take it back. If he won't, tell him that you will be giving it to a shelter.

Answer 10

I think you should be thankful that your friend was thinking of you and was trying to do something nice, even though his best intentions might not have been in your best interests. That is assuming he was doing it to be thoughtful and not just trying to pawn a puppy off on you.

Perhaps you should let your friend know that you appreciate the thought but when it comes to pets maybe check next time.

Answer 11

Hmmmm, it is funny you said 'acquaintance' and not friend...I guess a friend wouldn't do that to you.
You can be thankful if you want, but if you feel you can't take care of the dog then I wouldn't keep it.