By SARAH HODGSON
Advertisers push it. Pet stores bank it. Children plead … The temptation to give a pet as a gift around the holidays is everywhere. But there is more to that fuzz ball than soft blinking eyes and a wagging tail.
Before succumbing to the instant gratification a young puppy or kitten offers, meditate on the commitment. Think it through; talk it over; plan for the actual day. If this season of giving does find an additional four-footed family member on your doorstep, be educated on the responsibility you have added to the household.
Dogs
Can you envision a bow-tied pup sitting on your lap? Think ahead. Are you ready for the commitment? Puppies are so cute, especially when they are sleeping. But do not be fooled. Though a puppy sleeps a lot, as the weeks progress it quickly trades it's sleep time for play. And unlike children, dogs do not play with their hands. They use their teeth to explore both people and objects, and satisfying discoveries will be chewed. In fact, the only creature more dependant is a child.
Surpassing the responsibility to watch them as they explore and play is they need to be housebroken. During day-time hours, 8-10-week-old puppies should be taken out on the half-hour. 10-12-week-old puppies should be taken out on the hour. It is only after the 14th week that a puppy begins to develop bowel and bladder control. And nights are another story. Some can sleep through, but most cannot.
A puppy is not like a stereo or a robotic car. When it gives you problems you cannot send it in for repair. And you cannot toss it in to the closet when it is not in use or when company arrives. Living, breathing and, a puppy needs the devotion of time, care and concern.
Buying a puppy adds a new dimension to life - emotionally and financially. If you have a family you can mix in the cooperative element. If adding a puppy will bring you together - sharing responsibility for something everyone loves - then your investment will come back tenfold. If it will split you apart - creating more frustration and possibly adding to the number of holiday pets that end up at a shelter - then buying a puppy might not be the best idea.
Cats
Kittens are less demanding than puppies. Acrobatic, silly and sweet, they have as much fun interacting and exploring on their own as they do with you. Most come housebroken, needing two litter boxes in a confined area to get them on the right track. But like dogs they are a responsibility - emotionally and financially. Just because they do not demand attention does not mean they can do without any. A kitten raised with love and affection becomes a self-contained, interactive cat. Without the attention, they become the stereotypical aloof creatures famed by noncat lovers everywhere..
What comes as a surprise to most new kitten owners is their nocturnal nature. Being pounced on at 3 A.M. comes as no surprise to the seasoned cat person. And if that does not wake you, then it will be the noise created as the kitten dislodges all movable objects from your dresser. It is cute in the daytime but incredibly exasperating at night.
Of course, if the holidays do fine you preparing for a pet, plan ahead for the big day. Buy what you need for the first week: food, toys, bedding, possibly a traveling cage - and plenty of paper towels.
Books can be helpful to organize what lies ahead. If there will be a rowdy day or two that will put stress on a young animal, designate a quiet room with rules of entrance.
Approached consciously, the purchase of a holiday pet can be a cherished memory.
