We envision ourselves or our loved one(s) opening a box to a precious holiday puppy. After the pictures are taken, posted on social media and well wishes bestowed, reality relentlessly pokes the doorbell. That bouncing bundle of joy demands more attention than you can imagine, has sharp little teeth (used on your expensive shoes/ furniture), an annoying whine, won’t let you sleep through the night; and then there’s yellow puddles and smelly brown plops all over.
Adorable, sweet-smelling and SO loveable, puppies require tons of patience, training and a regular schedule, along with pre-puppy proofing your home. Don’t kid yourself, thinking “you’ll train them not to_____.” You are not going to untrain herding instincts from a herder, or train a beagle not to bay. You do not know what you’ll end up with (temperament, size, etc.), especially with dogs bred/raised in unsavory conditions. There can be congenital defects that reduce their quality of life/span. There are no guarantees.
An adult pet claims an hour or two from your daily schedule. Dogs need to be exercised for a bare minimum of 20 minutes, preferably twice daily – even when it’s raining. Puppies take a lot more time, money and energy. Plan on annual minimum care at a thousandplus dollars (assuming no emergencies or accidents) for a small dog.
After the holidays, people return to their regular schedules.
Rescues and shelters bulge over capacity with all those precious holiday pups. Why?
• “Dog got bigger than expected.”
• Landlord/HOA insists I rehome dog.
• “Didn’t do my research on this breed.”
• “Didn’t know what I was getting into.”
• “I forgot how much work puppies were.”
• “I went back to work and don’t have the time.”
• “Dog refuses to house train.
I don’t believe in crating.”
• “Pup was a gift to my kids.
They won’t take care of him/ her.”
• With four decades in rescue, here’s my advice:
• Fill out an application first, before you start looking. Keep a copy.
• Realize most rescues are run by volunteers. Be kind.
• Don’t get wrapped up in the dog’s old story. It’s in the past.
• Consider a foster to adopt situation, if available.
• Most dogs with reputable rescues have been in a foster home, are housetrained, spayed/neutered, past chewing stage, and their personality/traits/likes are known.
• Opt for a dog who’s at least a year old. Allow the rescue (who invested time, energy and money) to help match you with a dog that blends with your energy/activity levels and schedule.
• Be honest about how much time/energy/help you have to give. Watching social media, I cringe every time I see a mature (being one I can say that) person opening a box to a tiny surprise (pet store) puppy. The gifter attests, “Best gift ever! It brought my aging mom/dad back to life.” A few years go by. The parent gets sick/passes away. The poor dog ends up homeless because no one wants him/ her. Never get/give a pet unless *you* are willing to be responsible should the recipient no longer be willing/able to care for it. Have a written and agreed-to plan – for your OWN pets, too. Have that delicate conversation with family members/friends with pets.
Plan now – gain peace of mind.
Adding a furry family member is a 10-plus year commitment. The best matches are those where the recipient had a say in that very personal decision. Donate to a local reputable rescue or shelter. Gift a family member or friend a basket of toys, treats, supplies; in the bottom is an adoption application for a local reputable rescue group.
In a perfect world, every dog would have a home, and every home would have a dog.
