Thoughts about the holidays from Dr. Rubenstein

Giving is great-And Animals are great- but should they be gifts?

Every year we see new patients right after the holidays. Our clients come in with their new family members excited to introduce us and tell us their holiday story.

Anyone who does not enjoy a kitten or puppy visit has coal for a heart. These new family pets are often adorable, well planned purchases/adoptions and are cute enough to squeeze even if some of them have scales or have 8 legs.

The problems arise when the purchase/adoption is impulsive or not thought out. Pets represent a life time commitment which means that the recipient and the daily care needs should be considered.  For instance, you should not get a high energy puppy/dog if you work long hours and you should not give a child a lizard to care for if you are uncomfortable having crickets and roaches to feed it.

The worst thing for a veterinarian to see is a pet that has to be relinquished after the holiday rush because an owner did not realize how costly, difficult or sometimes icky that care may be (thinking about some snakes that only eat live baby mice).  Actually, I take that back. The worst thing for a veterinarian to see is a pet that has behavioral issues or is unwell because the recipient of the gift was not well prepared for the care that the pet would need.

Please remember that when giving a pet as a gift, the new owner must be able, capable and have an interest in learning to care for the pet. Otherwise- the gift is a cruelty to the animal.

If I could have some holiday wishes they would be:

• Don’t give children pets hoping to teach them responsibility. This NEVER ends well. Kids can share responsibility but should never be responsible for the well-being of an animal. Think about it- kids can barely fend for themselves without reminders. If  a kid can take care of themselves without an adult present- then maybe I could bend this rule. But please show me that kid.
• Don’t give elderly people young energetic dogs. Many older people are fit and capable but a young energetic dog is like an arrow from a bow. They move fast and can knock your mother or father down. No one wants to be blamed for a broken bone.
• Understand all of the housing needs for exotic pets. Too often reptiles, fish, birds, hamster, bunnies and gerbils are harmed because they were housed incorrectly. Do not trust the folks at the pet store- this is the time to buy a book and read up on pet care. Use a resource like the Lokai Rose Foundation for tips on how to have an exotic animal pet. https://www.lokairose.com/
• Do not be fooled- your Amish farm dog is likely from a puppy mill.
• Remember that Free to a Good Home is not a free pet. Animals will cost money for proper nutrition, housing, and care needs.

Please remember to gift thoughtfully and not to harm an animal in the process.