| How Much is that Doggy in the Window? Considerations when giving animals as gifts By: M.S. Gearheart Many are familiar with the vacuum advertising campaign featuring fluffy golden retriever puppies wearing bright red bows under the Christmas tree - their pink tongues lapping their little black noses. Despite that idyllic scene, there are many things to consider before bringing a pet home as a gift for a loved one. "We actually discourage the giving of animals as surprise pets," says David Lytle, Manager of Public Affairs at the Oregon Humane Society in Portland, Oregon. The Oregon Human Society policy stresses the need for a good match between owner and pet, "We need to get to know the care giver to find out which animal might be the most appropriate. For example, if you're a senior citizen with a walker, a big boisterous dog may not be the best choice." The mission of the society in Portland, like many across the country, is to find the best homes for its animals. When a pet and owner are ill matched, the pet is often returned to the humane society-- homeless once again. Lytle suggests a simple solution for those who want to adopt an animal as a gift, "We offer gift certificates to the shelter and they can come down and redeem that for a pet. We get to meet them one on one and let them know the requirements of the pet." At the Colorado Humane Society in Denver, Kate Lindenbaum echos Mr. Lytle's concerns. "We don't do any gifts. Getting an animal is a very personal choice and we want to meet whomever is going to own this animal for the next ten to fifteen years," Lindenbaum says. The Colorado Human Society places a premium on the care their animals will receive, "We're pretty picky with our adoption policy. Not everyone has the same ideas about caring for a pet." Lindenbaum also expresses concern for those receiving the animals, "There have been wives who have adopted dogs for their husbands and then come back with the dog saying their husband will divorce them if they don't bring the dog back." If, however, a couple would like to come in together and pick out the pet, that is preferable to the humane society. Says Lindenbaum, "If someone wants to come in with their loved one, pick out a pet together and then pay for the pet as the gift, that’s fine." Melissa Abernathy of the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee Florida, expresses the mixed feelings some shelters have towards adopting animals as gifts. She acknowledges that sometimes there can be negative drawbacks to making animals gifts. "Impulsive gift giving…that is a very bad idea, yes. It has happened that someone will come in and instantly fall in love with an animal, think it's so cute and immediately decide to give it to their boyfriend. If that boyfriend doesn't actually want a puppy, we will get it back the next day." However, Abernathy claims that research does not support the strict, "never under any circumstances" policies some shelters adopt. She explains, "Research shows that people who have been looking for an animal and then get it as a gift aren't necessarily more likely to return it." Abernathy also cautions that if someone has their mind set on giving an animal, a gift coming from an adoption agency is better than having a customer turn to retail stores which often support puppy mills. Abanathy discourages surprising a loved one with a pet. "It would be like saying ‘Hi Honey, I brought us home another child.’ Bringing home a pet is like bringing home another family member." She does, however, emphasize that the holiday season provides a window of opportunity for adoption. Time off from school and work can be valuable in dedicating the work needed to adjust to a new pet. When considering a new pet, talk with the local shelter to discuss the support they offer for new pet owners, and their policies towards adoption of animals for gifts. The best situation may be to buy a few pet toys or bed to present as gifts, then accompany the recipient to the shelter so that all parties can be involved in this important decision. As Abanathy concludes, "Every situation is different, it's not a black and white issue. You just have to be careful." |
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