How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?

The one with the waggley tail. You know, the dog that will be at the pound in 4 months.

It's that time again! Pet store owners begin cramping and tagging their puppies, at the same time ignoring anything but the almighty dollar. People come in droves, giggle, smile and tap on the glass. Some ignorant parents will think that little baby Todd or Melinda would love nothing more than to walk down the stairway on Christmas morning, rubbing their eyes and yawning wide, to find a small wiggly puppy ringing in their holiday cheer. Oh, puleese. So, where does the dog's happiness and future fit in? Do you even care? If not, shut off your computer, walk into your coat closet, and close the door. Don't come back out, the world doesn't need any more of you.

Am I saying that Christmas is a bad time for animal acquisitions? No - but it has to be done appropriately. Adding another life into your household is a family decision. If you are not willing to care for the animal 100%, then don't move forward with adoption. It is unreasonable to expect your child to carry the burden of another living being. In fact, in some grotesque way you're sort of forcing a teenage pregnancy on them...of sorts anyway. The point is, why set your child up for failure? Why torture an innocent animal in the process? Why be such a wanker?

And furthermore, DON'T BUY FROM PET SHOPS! Holy crap, people! Have you been completely ignoring the world for the last decade? Only we can stop the mad cycle. I completely understand not wanting to adopt a shelter animal for fear of buried behavioural issues (I used to work at a shelter and speak first-hand). Sometimes you want a puppy so you can raise that dog from square one and avoid inheriting other people's trauma. Adopt from a respectable breeder (check references and status before adopting). Breeders will screen you more carefully than you screen them. If they don't, DO NOT ADOPT FROM THEM. They could be a puppy mill...and that's worse than anywhere you can go. And good breeders will always take the dogs back if your situation doesn't work out. They are looking out for the dog's health and happiness, not yours.

Oh, and need I remind everyone to neuter/spay at 6 months? Also attend obedience courses every year WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY PRESENT. They are affordable (I spend around $75-$100) and help everyone be more educated, focused and involved in that animal's happiness.

Adopt with a clear head. Adopt within your space requirements. Adopt for your family, not one specific member.

And please adopt from a shelter or rescue organization if you can. It takes patience, discipline and a lot of work, but the payoff is so amazingly large.