Christmas is fast approaching and we are all starting to consider the perfect gift for our loved ones. Parents with children often want to get them a puppy. They know the joy and pleasure a companion will be to grow up with and share those wonderful years.
Before taking the plunge, please do your homework and consider all the factors that accompany adding a new member to the family before taking that leap of commitment.
Cost of adding a puppy
First is the initial cost of the puppy. We strongly recommend going to your local animal shelter to find that new member. You will be able to find puppies and mature dogs. Good things can be said about either choice. Puppies are indeed fun but need to be trained from the ground up which require a whole lot of consistent work. Mature dogs may already be house trained and that can shave hours of training and frustration. Visit the shelter and plan to spend plenty of time with the choices you will have. A few hours playing will tell you a lot about each pet you think will be a great match for you and your family.
Pet supplies can be a huge expense if you like to go overboard. To keep the ‘start up’ cost at a minimum, all you need at first are the necessities. Food, collar, leash, dog shampoo, flea/heart worm pills and a toy or two. An old blanket will do for a bed, bowls from a thrift shop will work. As time goes by you can pick up that perfect dog bed and fancy dishes.
Best breed for the family
One of the most important considerations is the breed of dog. The folks at the shelter are pretty knowledgeable about dogs and can more than likely tell you what bred or mix of bred each dog is. A purebred can be found but don’t carry the guarantee of a perfect pet. At Find the Best you can look for breeds that appeal to you and narrow down what would be acceptable for the age of your children and your lifestyle. Along with a picture of each breed you can find the maximum weight, maximum height, grooming and shedding, good with children and temperament. Having a list of the breeds you desire will make the choice much easier.
Long term benefits and burdens
The benefits are countless! Dogs are loyal non-judgmental friends. There will be someone to share joys and sorrows with. Children will always have a suitable playmate. There will be a greeter with a wagging tail and all the time in the world for your family. And cuddling in bed is remarkably comforting. The burdens are there also, nothing in life comes up all roses. The financial burden is not a small one. It is however not so outrageous that it will put you in the poorhouse. You will have the ongoing expense of feeding and keeping them healthy. It is not advisable to leave them home alone for long periods of time so the cost of care is also a factor. That expense can be totally eliminated by planning your adventures where pets are welcome.
The benefits by far outweigh the burdens considering the reward your family will receive. We believe there is no greater gift than a pet. It will help teach your child responsibility, commitment and how to love unconditionally.
11 Comments
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Awesome, thanks Jon!
There will be someone to share joys and sorrows with. Children will always have a suitable playmate. There will be a greeter with a wagging tail and all the time in the world for your family. And cuddling in bed is remarkably comforting. The burdens are there also, nothing in life comes up all roses.
All too true!
Getting a puppy for Christmas is exciting, it will surely ease the burdens of the family since you will have an constant playmate.
This is a great article. There are so many things to consider when bringing a new friend into the family.
Getting a pet for the Holidays is a FAMILY Decision. I really try to discourage people from purchasing pets as gifts during the holidays unless it is discussed & approved by the entire family involved in caring for the pet.
I saw my sisters ex-boyfriend go out & get her a ferret one year for Christmas. She lived in an apartment that didn’t allow pets. So she had to hide it & bathe it weekly to keep the odor down. She had to buy a bigger cage for it in addition to food, toys & other supplies. Plus the veterinary expenses. Sadly “Boomer” got sick & had to be put down 6 months after she gotten him. The ferret cost him $100 – It cost her HUNDREDS! Although she loved Boomer it was an unexpected expense in her life she hadn’t planned for. It was a very unpractical gift from a person who didn’t care to think ahead or ask because they didn’t have to take care of it!
Later down the road (after they had broken up) I asked her if she would like a kitten for Christmas. She lived in a an apartment that now allowed pets. She had previously had cats & knew the cost involved. We went to a shelter together & she picked out her purrfect kitten. I paid the adoption fee & helped out by taking the kitten to the vet to be spayed because she had to work. That was 9 years ago & Cassie the cat is still loyally by her side. 🙂 Pictures of Cassie can be seen on my website. http://www.shannonspetsitting.net
I just advise people before you buy a pet make sure everybody involved in its care approves & is ready to take on the responsibility! Too many animals end up in shelters after the holidays because they were unwanted & unexpected gifts.
Getting a new puppy is a great responsibility, whoever is on the receiving end needs to be prepared to add a new little baby to the family 🙂
Getting a puppy for Christmas is a good idea, but I hope that people do not lose the excitement.
Getting a puppy for Christmas is exciting, But I cannot do it because my daughter has an asthma.. so sad..
Your comment about breed selection and research, to suit the family is very good advice.