Is a Puppy a Good Gift?
It is fair to say that just about everyone has had dreams of finding a new puppy adorned with a bow made of ribbon. Now let me say up front I am the last person to ever suggest the spontaneous purchase of a dog of any age. The conversation of having a dog ranks right there with “Honey lets have a kid.” I hate to be the buzz kill but a quick reality check is in order.
Traditionally, during the holidays the imagery of the gifted puppy gets the best of many, resulting in a surge of unwanted dogs after the holidays. Think out what the day to day will be after Christmas morning. When the novelty of the new puppy wears off and you are standing outside yet again during another Boston Nor’ Easter. There waiting for your four legged nemesis to produce something warm for you to pick up in a thin plastic bag. Granted your fingers will be warm; how bout that holiday puppy now? Have I lost you?
There are great dogs looking for fantastic homes. For some, the holidays offer a little extra free time where introducing a new member to the family makes perfect sense. Shockingly, people still search for pet shops in Boston on Google, when the best pets can be found at the;
Seriously, get your head right and check out some of the fantastic dogs looking for a warm loving home. If you can realistically do it, adopting a dog can be the greatest present of all.
I love my dog more than most people could possibly imagine. I do hope when the time is right others are just as lucky to have such a wonderful addition to the family.
Dianne
December 11, 2009 at 9:32 pm //
Thanks so much for recommending folks turn to shelters for a new companion! I am amazed at the number of people who still refuse to believe that pet shop inventory comes from puppy mills, AKA commercial breeding facilities. I am in PA and belong to a group that has demonstrated at a local pet shop every Saturday for the past 3 years. Our intent is to create an awareness of the puppy mill/pet store connection
http://www.NPPMWatch.com
Adopting a friend IS the best gift!
Jay Stebbins
December 16, 2009 at 11:56 am //
I am glad you like the article Dianne,
I am always impressed how nice the adoption centers at Angell MSPCA and the Animal Rescue League of Boston are. I have not been up to the North East Animal Shelter myself, but will head up after the holidays are over.
If I were looking for a dog, these are the places to go in Boston. They have a great selection and people who care about the animals who have a great idea of the individual personalities of each dog. For some looking for a new dog this is an amazing resource. Especially considering how important matching a dog’s personality or energy level the family looking for a dog.
Between the modern facilities and the very involved staff a “Pet Shop” can’t compete with an adoption center. Especially in Boston.
Keep up the good fight Dianne.