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Originally Posted by kjcmsw  This wanders off topic a bit...but after reading the posts and the one that referred to rescues saying come in February for the Christmas puppies...I wonder if that's common? I find it hard to believe some would pay $1200 plus for a dog and dump it at a shelter because it's inconvenient (difficult to potty train, not 'exactly' the type of dog they were looking for, things like that); however, I could see someone giving a dog with significant health issues (maybe because they bought from a poor breeder) to a rescue because they couldn't afford the unexpected medical care nor anyone to take it that could afford the care and rather than put the dog down they hope it will find a good home and the proper care.
Secondly, whether to get a puppy at Christmas is a good time I think it depends on your lifestyle. After the initial tearing open of the packages by the kids, Christmas is pretty mellow at our house and I'm sure a lot of people don't overextend themselves during the holidays.
My experience with my Yorkies I would say Yorkies aren't the best pick for a small child and after raising several children I firmly believe in not getting them any animal when they are so young as the animal generally dies when they are teenagers and that being an emotionally rough time anyway for kids, having their beloved pet die just adds to the turmoil. Wait until your child is a bit older and when they lose their beloved pet ( and they will ) they will be old enough to understand the circle of life and death better.
Kendra |
Ladymom posted a good link and I Firmly agree with the read. As far as the price people pay for their puppies and dumping them at shelters after they have paid such prices, Yes it happens every day. Probably more in the months after Christmas because sooooo many people buy puppies as Christmas gifts. I'm sure ladyjane could tell a story or two about puppies and adult dogs who end up in shelters and rescues because the owner simply could not be bothered with cleaning up after them any longer when they soil the carpet because they never took the time to train the animal properly. I have 5 dogs now and 3 are pure bred dogs , all ended up homeless because the owners could not afford their medical needs and/or chose not to house break or train them in any manner. All are wonderful dogs and none deserved to be thrown away like a piece of trash. I also do not believe people should buy "Their Children" of any age a pet. Adding any pet to any family should be a family affair, meaning all should want the animal and all should take part in it's care. I am so sick of hearing parents say " if you don't take care of your dog I'm getting rid of it" or "if you don't clean up after your cat it's going to the pound". Parent's need to be the ones who take the lead & show/teach their children that pets are a very big and important responsibility and they are not toys and they are not disposable.