Hello everyone, CEO Olivia reporting. The holiday season is upon us. For some that might mean a new puppy or kitten as a gift. People may have the best intentions but a new family member really isn’t a ‘gift’. A wiggly bundle of joy seems like a delightful idea Christmas morning but it means several years of commitment.

First, be very sure your family has had a discussion & is ready for a new member. If there are children involved are they old enough to understand bringing a dog or cat into your family is not like getting a new toy? Also, Christmas day is not the best time to introduce a new pet. It can be too busy, very loud & too stressful. It may prove overwhelming for both you & the new addition to your family. That’s not a good start.

Here is an example of the wrong way – Dad stops off at the mall & goes into the pet store. He picks out a puppy or kitten based on it’s cuteness. With little or no information he brings it home. Surprise!

Now here is an example of the right way – A decorative note is wrapped in holiday paper or a small stuffed animal wrapped with a big bright bow can “announce” an impending addition to the family. A few days after Christmas, the whole family goes to a local shelter. They take their time, meet several dogs (or cats) & ask lots of questions. Hopefully a new member of the family will be going home with them when they leave.

It’s a sobering thought that almost every shelter, everywhere is full to capacity all year round. There are so many deserving animals in need of a loving home. Pet stores generally are supplied by puppy mills & back yard breeders. Those people are in this for profit. Adding a family member should be about love, commitment & responsibility.

Remember, when you adopt you enrich at least three lives. Yours, the animal you rescued, & the animal you just made room for. Give the gift of love; sponsor, volunteer, foster, rescue & adopt.

CEO Olivia ❤