Christmas gifts

 “Happy Endings” by Turtle Gardens Animal Rehab Societ- Dec 3, 2002

Christmas is nearly here with thoughts of the perfect gift. What to buy for that special person? Here are a few ideas for the animal lover. A book of animal stories is a gift that lasts. There is Dog or Cat Lover’s Companion which is a beautiful diary with pictures and a wealth of animal detail likely to fascinate even the most knowledgeable pet owner. An animal calendar is a prized present that gives pleasure the whole year through. Or a paid spay/neuter voucher to help spay/neuter the pet is a very thoughtful gift. An idea for the person who has everything - a donation to “Sponsor a pet” in the person’s name. This gift enhances the life of a homeless animal and gives a warm feeling of giving both to the person receiving the gift and the one giving the perfect gift. For the person that is thinking of a new pet, pet supplies are welcome gifts or a training video such as our “A Beginner’s Guide to Clicker Training” which helps spay or neuter homeless dogs (a double gift). A voucher from a local shelter or breeder for a pet of their choice after the rush of the holidays is an inspired gift. It is never a good idea to give a live puppy or kitten as a Christmas gift. The person who wants the animal should be the one to choose the new pet or have the new pet choose him. An animal is part of your life for 12 to 15 years and should be a serious undertaking. Sometimes what we think a person should have, is not what that person really wants. When a pet is lost thru death, the grieving process has to be dealt with before the introduction of a successor. If the time isn’t right, then the new pet is an interloper not a loved companion. Time heals, but everyone heals differently. Only the person grieving knows the right time for the new addition to his family.

Christmas is very stressful so it’s not a good time to introduce a new pet to the family. Pet supplies with a picture of the proposed animal and maybe a stuffed animal that looks like it could be under the tree. The live pet could arrive on Boxing Day when the hullabaloo dies down - to be the focus of the family. The new pet will be a part of the family for a long time so an extra day won’t hurt. The anticipation will be heightened by the wait while the new pet benefits from the quietened atmosphere. The perfect gift awaits you.   Ensure your gift is thought out thoroughly before an animal’s life is at stake. Many unwanted pets end up in shelters and pounds after the holidays.  

Turtle Gardens has a variety of spayed neutered teen to adult dogs and cats as well as puppies and kittens. Phone 696-3188

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.