Puppies and Kids? A puppy for Christmas?

Before you get a dog, slow down and think. Animals are not disposbale. When you get one, you make a long-term until they die promise to them, just like you did with your kids when they were born. You promise to take care of them and love them. Dogs need attention, love and people who care about them. No offense, but a lot of people with kids often neglect their animals because they are so devoted to their kids, that animals often take a backseat to kids and when push comes to shove, the animal is the one that is neglected or abandoned or dumped on a a "nice, country property" in the middle of nowhere hoping that the kind hearted soul who lives on that country property will take care of your unwanted animals. Then I have to go outside, pick up the animal and nurse him or her back to health and do my best to break through the tough shell created by human neglect. I do live in the country. I've had a wide variety of animals dropped off at my home. Just because I live in the middle of nowhere on 40+ acres of land does not mean I can afford to take care of your unwanted animal. I do urge you, think long and hard before you act. A dog or a cat is a life-long promise. Ask yourself these questions: 1. What happens if puppy bites my child? 2. What happens if puppy needs vet attention when my child needs doctor attention? 3. What if we move? Will puppy come with ut? 4. Will puppy accept a baby or a child? Some breeds do NOT mix well with infants or small children. 5. Can I provide the love and attention to both a puppy and my children? Your kids are older than the kids I've seen mixed with dogs, but kids that age still have to be told no and to leave the dog alone. My sister has a 9 month old Yorkie mix and God help that dog, he is the most calm tempered dog. My niece can pick him up by his harness and carry him like a purse, but as a general rule, most dogs grow tired of constant badgering by children. Something to think about. If you do decide to get one, go to a shelter. Animal shelters are filled with animals who need a home. Breeders never put down their animals for lack of homes. Shelters kill hundreds of thousand of innocent dogs and cats, all because they were born into a world where no one wants them.