Bottom line: an iTunes card is an acceptable last minute gift idea or unexpected surprise present. A dog is not.
In its annual press release reminding people not to be irredeemably stupid and buy a dog without careful forethought, Dogs NSW makes the point that a pet can be a great Christmas present, providing you’ve thought it through first. As vet Dr Peter Higgins puts it:
Puppies shouldn’t be chosen as a last minute present to make children smile on Christmas day, but that doesn’t mean bringing one into the family as a Christmas present is careless. So long as you consider what you want from a dog and choose the breed accordingly, they can become very important members of the family. Buying a dog as a family Christmas present is not irresponsible, but buying one as an impulsive gift is, and can have serious consequences.
If you do have a dog, don’t forget to buy them a present. I usually favour something edible for the “instant gratification” factor.
Agreed!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 2:31 PMVery true, the amount of displacement that animals suffer due to the silly decisions of humans “omg so cute! I gotta have” is terrible. Our animal shelters are full as it is, don’t ever impulse buy animals!
Blake
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 3:55 PMIts not actually.
http://iphone.news.com.au/stories/776108 (sorry phone posting)
The numbers in the shelters coming in after christmas are pretty low.
Kentucky
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 4:09 PM‘Agreed!’ was stating impulse decisions in general, not specifically those relating to christmas.
Ferret
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 4:37 PMI’d be far more offended by getting an itunes card.
Even a lump of coal would be preferable.
Will
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 6:04 PM+1
Yes, you could at least put coal in a fireplace and obtain heat from it next winter.
Jack Cola
Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 5:21 PMA Christmas present for my dog, (8 months) is to lose 10kg. He’s a huge Golden Retriever, in both height, length and width.
So far, he’s list 3kg in a week.