Ok,  I have to admit it I started humming, no singing Christmas songs at least three weeks before Halloween.   This year I am officially “Home for the Holidays”—I’m not working, and not flying home to England.  That means rather than caring for other peoples pets, or pining for my own from across the ocean, I get to hang out at home with my own little fuzzy family, yeah!

 I have made a firm commitment to purchase a real Christmas tree, and I’m currently negotiating style, theme, and colors of the decorations.  I’ve purchased an adorable pet-themed set of holiday cards from National Geographic (they have a quite a selection of pets and wildlife).  I’ve already sneaked an eerily realistic mouse toy into the shopping basket (when buying cat food), and have eyed several dog squeaky toys.

 This will be our kitty Cordelia’s first Christmas with a home and family, as she was a stray for 6 months.   She most likely spent her first Christmas huddled under bushes trying to keep warm and catch her dinner. I must admit that she is quite adept at catching bugs. With a young cat, - kind of like toddler proofing the house - hang tree ornaments high and leave the lower branches au natural.  Did you know they sell shatter resistant decorations?  Those must have been invented by a pet owner.

While I’m looking forward to a pet adventure filled Christmas, I strongly advise against giving a pet as a gift. Children often write puppy or pony at the top of their Christmas list every year (I know I did), maybe kitten, hamster, gerbil, rabbit, or snake?   Yes, fulfilling this wish could make you the most popular parent ever, but unfortunately this may be short lived.

Typically, a lot of thought and planning goes into the adoption of a new puppy or any pet. Timing the adoption to achieve the Christmas morning Hallmark moment of puppy-pops-out-of-the-red-ribbon-endowed-gift-box, could add unnecessary stress to everyone’s lives, including that of the new addition.  Gift wrapping a pet and placing it under the tree with all the other presents is unwise.  You’ve seen the enthusiasm with which children rip open a present, gasp briefly in delight, only to discard it and move to the next.   And what child hasn’t become mesmerized by an electronic toy or game?  After the initial excitement of “unwrapping”, children might not connect with the commitment and responsibility of ownership.  If animals are given along with toys, consider how best to emphasize not treating them as such.

Puppies and kittens will most likely be terrified to be in a new setting, even more so if recently removed from it’s mother and littermates.  Even an adult dog can be confused and scared of a new environment.   If the stress, noise, and commotion of Christmas can be overwhelming for us humans, imagine the toll it would take on the animal.  New pets need a lot of nurturing, comforting, patience, and routine – which tends to be relaxed during the holidays.  Remember, puppies often need to be housebroken and trained, which is much more difficult with toys and temptations abound.  Who can commit to all this at a busy time like Christmas?  Cats and kittens can need days, sometimes weeks to adapt to a new setting, and will most often run and hide.

If you are motivated to get a puppy or pet for Christmas, consider postponing or at least introducing the pet to your family after the holidays.  There are many ways to promise a puppy or pet without having one actually there on the day.   Wrap up a puppy stuffed animal, with collar and leash; use a blank doggy name tag as a book mark inside a dog training book or have each child or family member unwrap one item to build excitement.  Present a “Pet Certificate” to assure everyone that you intend to keep your promise. If you have a picture of the dog or animal from the rescue, shelter or breeder, have a copy framed and gift wrapped.

 Most shelters will require a meeting with the entire family before an adoption is approved.  This may seem like a lot to ask  if you’re busy, are an experienced pet owner, or if you’re just adopting a hamster.  Remember the goal of any shelter or rescue agency is to make the best possible match  for permanent placement.  Sadly, many poorly thought out pet Christmas gifts (especially puppies) end up in local shelters or rescues by February.  Within just two months, the novelty has worn off and the reality of pet ownership sinks in.

Failed adoptions can be prevented with a little planning and realistic expectations.  Gather research about the animal you intend to adopt or contact the local shelter and rescue groups. Lucky Dog Rescue works with owner surrenders as well as shelter animals (especially from high kill shelters). They hold weekly adoption events throughout the DC metro area. Visit www.luckydoganimalrescue.org .  For other companion animals visit www.Petfinder.com.  They act as a central search engine for shelters all over the country and, in addition to dogs and cats, they have barn animals, birds, horses, pigs, rabbits, reptiles, hamsters, gerbils, mice, and even guinea pigs! I currently have my eye on a sweet horse called Brandy, if only our backyard was big enough!

May peace, joy, and love be with you and your pets this holiday season.  Enjoy!   

Sue manages the Alexandria Office of Doggywalker.com located in Old town. Doggywalker.com is a professional pet-sitting company providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Celebrating 10 years in business, visit Doggywalker.com  or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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