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Putting a puppy under the tree? Experts say think twice
December 21, 1997
Web posted at: 10:02 p.m. EST (0302 GMT)From Correspondent Mary Ann McGann
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Pets are on top of many kids' holiday gift lists. But the animal magnetism of December could become the dogs days of August if buyers aren't careful about their purchases.
Experts say the holidays are actually the worst time to buy a pet and that it is much too personal a decision to make for someone else.
Gary Shiebler, author of "A Search for the Perfect Dog," said too many people find themselves captivated by a puppy's charm.
"It's that idea of 'How much is that puppy in the window.' And the idea of a cute little puppy with a bow under the Christmas tree. It's sort of like the quintessential perfect gift," Shiebler said.
But Shiebler said the pet owner will become disenchanted later when the pet starts chewing on things or simply starts to grow.
"Sometimes a Christmas puppy can grow into a 120-pound dog. And many dogs are returned to the (adoption) center because of that," Shiebler said.
Correspondent Mary Ann McGann reports
Animal shelter owners say returns generally occur about six months to a year later when the pets have reached adolescence and may be more boisterous.
While there are no figures for just how many Christmas pets are returned, 8 million to 12 million animals in the United States are given up for adoption each year.
Animal advocates say what matters is that the person getting the pet has enough love -- and room -- for it. They also recommend not buying a dog because one is seen in the movies or television.
"I'm sure President Clinton's chocolate Lab will definitely have an impact," said Perry Fina of the North Shore Animal League. Clinton recently acquired a 3-month-old Labrador retriever, which he named "Buddy" for a great uncle who died this year.
That kind of attention can backfire. People rushed to buy Dalmatians after the movie "101 Dalmatians" came out. Not all new owners found the temperaments of their black-and-white pets to their liking.
"Shelters are seeing many more Dalmatians turned in now than they did a year ago," said Jacque Schultz of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
And one might think Jack Russell terriers are ideal for an apartment after watching the dog "Eddie" on the hit comedy "Frasier."
"Jack Russell terriers were originally bred to hunt," Shiebler said.
Experts say buyers should avoid surprises and make sure the recipient has a voice in deciding who that pet companion will be.
Ron Udin, owner of It's a Small World Pets, said: "You have to know if the person that you're buying for wants a pet."
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