Pets as gifts

Pets are not gifts... I love pets and pets demand love!

I have given my own children a dog for Christmas, but that is only because I wanted the dog more for myself. I have seen too many animals being mistreated by their owners so I would never consider giving a pet to somebody other than my own family. Thankfully the dog shelters in Ireland will not give out pets to just anybody who requests one. They come out and inspect the home and will also follow up with regular visitation.

I think your discussion is very good.I also dont believe that animals should be given as gifts either.First of all you should nevr buy an animal for someone as a gift because you do not know if that person would be able to keep it or want it.There are so many shelters with so many unwanted animals that it breaks my heart.So many of them are put down beacsue there isn't any place anymore to keep them.Alot of people dont spray their animals which causes to more innocent kittens or puppies being born and not having a chance to live becasue they will be put down shortly.It's also harder for animals that are older to get adopted because alot of people want the pets small.I thnk that if someone wants a pet as a gift they should goto the shelter and adopt one.

I wouldn't give pets as gifts unless it was to my kids. A pet owner needs to see and pick out their own pet and form that special bond.