Member

Posts: 926
From:
Registered: May 2003

posted 01-05-2004 08:24 AM         

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I saw a versy disturbing news bit yesterday on CNN. It was on their ticker: 4 million pets given as pets this year for Christmas will end up in shelters over the next month. How sad! I just sat there and cried.
Honeybear

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Member

Posts: 944
From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 01-05-2004 09:34 AM         

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I never understood that either. When I was finding new homes for my puppies I had numerous calls where the people would say "oh its a suprise for so - and - so"..My resopnce was, that none of my puppies were for gifts to unsuspecting persons. I explained why, and told them that if the person was to agree and sign the Puppy contract as well, that would be fine.

Its a shame, and yes, its cute to wake up to a puppy or kitty under your tree, but to most its only fun for about 5 minutes, then its thrown in the back yard or crate...

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Member

Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 01-05-2004 09:42 AM         

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It is very sad. Easter always upsets me because parents buy their children rabbits, ducks or chicks, most of those die or are "set free". When I raised rabbits I always refused to sell them for Easter gifts.
I have given a dog for a gift twice in my life. Once to my husband I gave a German Shepherd puppy. He had wanted to get into search and rescue. Once I gave a senior mixed breed dog to a senior that I took care of for her birthday. In both cases it was understood that the dog would become mine if it didn't work out. I would only do it if I were going to be able to take the animal back and control the outcome. The senior dog I gave...died one month to the day before her owner, they were inseperable in the last two years of their lives, both had arthritis and moved at the same speed. They understood each other.

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Member

Posts: 228
From:Grand Rapids, MI
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-05-2004 01:00 PM         

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I agree completely- not only is it sad that so many of these "gift" puppies end up in shelters, but it's also very inconsiderate on the givers part to put such a burden on someone else by giving them another living being to take care of if they're not expecting it. Puppies can be almost as hard to raise in the first years as babies, and we don't go around adopting children and giving them as gifts, you know?

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Member

Posts: 1392
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 01-05-2004 04:31 PM         

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You used to raise rabbits, Maisey? I want a bunny!

Jamiya

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Member

Posts: 151
From:
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-05-2004 04:35 PM         

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I think that if you are going to give someone a pet as a gift, you should let them know. I know that that spoils the suprise, but it is for the animals on good. I think that you should make sure that that they know how to care for the pet. It is sad how many pets end up in animal shelters because of this.

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Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 01-05-2004 09:23 PM         

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It makes me sick when I see puppy ads in the paper stating things such as "great x-mas gift",ect. No responsible breeder would advertise puppies this way and since I see so many ads like this I am reminded of the many irresponsible people breeding to make a quick buck.

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Member

Posts: 813
From:Santa Maria, Ca.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-05-2004 09:28 PM         

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Puggleowner, You made a very good point!

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