Pets as a Gift Can Be a "Ruff" Road

For this Friday's Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column, mom is addressing the issue of giving a dog or cat as a gift. Oh boy, that's a hot topic, and one that yours truly would like to comment on as well.

The following are some of the questions my certified dog trainer mom is asking her readers to ask themselves. She also asks these questions to the virtual dog training class "Before You Adopt a Dog" attendee's. I thought I'd ask you the questions too, but in my little inquisitive canine way:

1. WHY do you want a dog or cat? Are you bored? Lonely? Think we're cute? Because someone in your family begged you to get one? Because you have another animal at home that you think is lonely? Or because you know how wonderful us dogs and cats are, and that you love having us as part of your life? If it's only for the last question, then by all means, think seriously about adopting a pet. I could recommend a few places you could find one just as wonderful as moi. If it's for all of the other reasons I'd ask you to think critically about adding the stressors of having a pet. If it's for someone else, you know you'll end up being the main caregiver. And to be honest, many dogs and cats don't make the best pet sitters.
2. Is this the best time in your life to have a dog or cat (or some other pet)? Are you gone all day long? All night long? Travel a lot? For many cats, they are okay at home alone, but us dogs, especially the youngsters and higher energy ones can get bored. We're also very social animals and don't do as well on our own as other animals. Be prepared for situations like isolation distress, separation anxiety, and boredom destruction of furniture and whatnot.
3. Are there any foreseeable life-changing events in your future? Are you getting married? Divorced? Having human children? Ill? Changing jobs? Moving? Us dogs can live a long time, so plan on taking us throughout your journeys.
4. Can you afford us? I know we're less costly than humans, but we still might cost you a pretty penny. I've know a few dogs and cats that had to have surgery or who were really ill and needed special medical care. Then there's the regular stuff like food, licensing, vaccinations, leashes, toys, collars, more toys, treats, food, more toys, and beds!
5. What pet would fit best with your lifestyle? Think about your family, your job, where you live, how you get around town. How much extra time do you have to devote to a pet? What sacrifices are you willing to make?
6. From where do you plan on adopting a dog? Breeder? Shelter or rescue group? Friend or family? There are lots of us shelter dogs out there that are in need of a loving home. If you end up buying from a breeder, please do your homework. Many of my shelter buddies originally came from breeders.

I remember when mom and dad came to the Animal Kind Rescue shelter in Studio City to meet me. They had heard the rumor that I loved tennis balls (which I do), and since dad plays tennis they thought we'd get along. They were right! They both knew instantly, as did I, that we'd hit it off and create a beautiful relationship! And here we are today...enjoying all that life together has to offer.

Both mom, dad and I agree that there isn't anything more special than having a loving relationship with a pet. But we all know it takes responsibility and commitment. So we ask, before you adopt, especially a pet begin given as a gift, do your homework first, so you can set yourself and your pet up for success!

I wonder how my former shelter buddies are doing? I wonder if they were given as gifts? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

This Dog Agrees With You Humans: "It's not you, it's me."

I don't get it, really, I don't. "What" you ask? I'm talking about the whole "breaking up with your dog" situation. I've heard that old song, "Breaking up is hard to do." But I guess when it comes to many of you human-folk deciding you don't want a dog any longer, you just decide to end the relationship and "break up" with us... And when you say "It's me, it's not you." I believe it! And, I completely agree... it is you! 

Before a person decides to bring home a dog or cat, or any pet for that matter (or having a child), or making other type of long term commitment, please allow me a moment to ask you a few questions. These were similar "before you adopt" questions my dad and my mom the dog trainer asked before bringing me home: 

• Do you honestly have the time? It takes more than a couple of ten minute walks around the neighborhood...especially if we're young and energetic. 
• Are you willing to rearrange your current schedule and lifestyle to make the time for a pet?
• Are you financially able to take care of the most basic needs of a pet? This includes food, health care, shelter, collar, bed, license, legally required vaccinations? Multiply these items by days/months/years, depending upon the item/service and lifetime of the pet. Remember, this doesn't even include the "fun stuff" like training classes, toys, treats, an extra bed, crate, car seat, etc... 
• Are you able to adapt to any other changes that might occur throughout the lifetime of your pet? What if you have to move? Change jobs? Get married, divorced, have human kids, take a vacation? 

My mom has received a few phone calls and emails about people having to re-home their pets because they can't seem to handle them any longer - they basically want to "break up" with them. Don't they realize that us domestic animals aren't creatures they can just kick to the curb? We're not furniture that can be stored in the garage either... 

Please, for the sake of humane treatment, think about the responsibilities before bringing a pet home... and once you make that commitment, stick with it. If you're frustrated with the situation, do all you can to educate yourself about solving problems, before you end up creating even more. 

I wonder how humans would feel if us dogs "dumped" them? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

The gift of love...

Tis the season, right? That's what I keep hearing mom talk about. You humans celebrate by bringing dead tree's into the house, hanging stuff all over them, wrapping lots of goodies and rewards in paper, then giving these things to each other. Okay, well it's gonna take me awhile to figure that one out...I mean come on, tree's are good for sniffing and peeing on, so why would you want to bring it into the house...? Is it a present for ME?  

Anyway, the one thing that keeps sticking in my head is the whole idea of giving one of ME or some kitty or some other "pet" to someone else as a "gift". Hello? Can't this be kinda risky? I know some of my former roommates were "gifts". They ended up where I used to live, before mom and dad adopted me... in this nice ladies home called a "rescue". 

Well, maybe I can help. These are some questions this inquisitive canine would want answered before someone decides to give someone else a furry friend. And hey, since it's the holiday season, I think I'm gonna call it:

Poncho's Top 10 Things to Ask Yourself Before Gifting A Pet This Holiday Season:

1. Does this potential pet owner, and all persons living in the same household, really want a pet? Is anyone "on the fence" about bringing a pet into the home? It's important that all humans be on board about changing the family dynamics. 
2. Why does this person/family want a pet? Is it for the family companion? Service work? Protection? Because you think they should have one? 
3. Does this potential pet owner, and everyone involved, have the time to devote to a pet? Some pets take more time and attention than others. Us dogs need physical and mental exercise every day. Plus, we enjoy these activities with our family members and friends. 
4. Can this person/family afford a pet? Besides the expense of food, shelter, licensing, required vaccinations, there's also the chance of unforeseen issues such as illness, accidents, or hereditary problems which can result in expensive procedures and treatments. 
5. Does this person/family live in a place where pets are allowed? All shapes sizes and species? If this person had to move, would the pet be able to go with them. 
6. Is it the right time to add a pet to this person's/family's household? Are there any other stressors that may be impacted by the addition of a new pet? Illness of family members? Marriage? Divorce? New baby? Moving? 
7. What if something happens to the person you give the pet to? Will there be others to help out? Can other arrangements be made?  
8. Does the pet you want to give to this person/family match their lifestyle? Do they travel a lot? Camping? Airplane? At work all day long? Live by themselves? Roommates? Other animals in the house? 
9. Is this person physically capable of taking care of the specific pet? Animals need to be picked up, carried, placed in cars and carriers. 
10. Is the person/family able to commit to the lifetime of the pet? Dogs can live to well over ten years, and cats even older. 

I hope I've helped stimulate your mind in making an informed decision about giving the gift of a pet this holiday season. Us domestic animals appreciate being placed into loving and attentive, responsible households, and hope one day there is a shortage of pets because everyone wants one of us. Until then, I'll keep on asking my questions... 

Speaking of... I wonder what mom and dad are going to get me this holiday? A new toy? Leftover turkey? A romp at the beach? A belly rub or two? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...