Why not give a pet to the kids for xmas, we just lost our dog of 13 years in april, now we are ready 4 another

Answer 1

I agree with the first answer..

A family gift (or for your own kids), but instead of getting the puppy..buy the "equipment" : food bowls, leashes.. etc. and wait until the holidays die down.. (like a week or two after new years).. Then they will know what they are getting, and it gives you the oppurtunity to search for the best dog for the family.. the kids can have some say in what puppy you pick without ruining the surprise.. and the puppy comes in more calm, normal atmosphere.

Answer 2

I have an idea. we used to do this at the humane society. We had vouchers like a gift card. the person could pay for the adoption fee but then after the holidays the whole family would come and pick it out. that way you know it is the perfect fit. Just print up like a card that says "Good For One Four-Legged Friend" and wrap it in a big box that all the kids get to help open. then in January when things are a bit more settled take all the family and find the perfect new member!

Also after the holidays are done most shelters fill up from all the unwanted holiday gifts. I know its so sad but it is true. So this is a good time to teach your kids about saving a life and being responsible with their pet. I would go and check out the shelters before bringing the kids along to make sure it will not be too heart breaking. Find a shelter that has a room that they will bring the dogs to you not one were you walk around and look at all the dogs in cages. that can be pretty upsetting for a kid.

Answer 3

Christmas can be a chaotic scary time for a dog. The dog needs time to settle in and get to know the family. There are so many things a dog, especially a puppy can get into. It is far better to bring the dog home a few weeks before or better yet just after Christmas.

Give the kids a picture of a puppy, or have them choose the puppy but pick it up from the breeder after Christmas. If you are getting a shelter dog (an extra blessing) give them a picture of many puppies and dogs and then pick it out a day or two after Christmas.

Answer 4

Christmas is not the best time to introduce a new animal into your home. It is hectic around the holidays, there are decorations up that a dog might get into, accidents will happen while they grow accustomed to their new home (house trained, or not.)

Also, an animal gift for the kids is not nearly as good an idea as a "family gift." Wrap a stuffed dog with a note tied around the neck that says the entire family will go to pick out a dog after the commotion of the holidays has settled.

Answer 5

In case you've forgotten let me remind you how time consuming a young pup can be with the house training a priority. You have children so know how hard you work around the holidays and how chaotic it is. Depending upon where you live it's no fun standing outside in freezing rain or snow with a young pup saying, go potty only to come back inside and have the little cutey pee on the rug. When the holidays are past and the weather easier to deal with, then is a perfect time for a pup.

Answer 6

Rather than exposing the dog to all the tension.stress.excitement surrounding christmas, why not give each child a box and have the word puppy or a pix of the breed you want to get inside the box. When they open it, they'll be excited and happy...explain the puppy will be picked up after the holidays. Then, once the holidays settle down, take them to get it or look for one.

Answer 7

If you want to give them a pet, give them something that doesn't have as much repsonsibility as a dog.

Try giving them a fish, or maybe a hamster.

Pets should NEVER be given as gifts. A dog is not a toy - it is a lifetime commitment that needs care. Dogs need more than a bed and food.

Answer 8

For some it works out great... but I worked at an animal shelter for 14 years and 80% of the animals adopted out the weeks before christmas would come back in to us in january and february. The parents buy them for their kids, the kids stopped taking car fo them, they bought them for their kids because they have recently lost a pet, and the kid just wasnt ready for another one yet... there are lots of reasons. In fact we were able to pass a policy, and we do not adopt out animals the week of christmas and we do not adopt out bunnys the week of easter.

Answer 9

if u are ready and ur kids and ur self are all willing to take care of the pet for the next several yrs, sure get one. i think the hype about getting a pet for christmas is because the newness wears off and everyone doesn't want to take care of the pet anymore.as u know it is a big responsibility and if u are are willing i'm sure there is a pet waiting for a new home with you. merry christmas

Answer 10

As long as you and your family are prepared to take in a dog, then go for it... just make sure its what you really want to do. Just remember to have a calm environment ready for the dog, one in which it could grow relaxed, and not stressed by holiday events! Good Luck to You!