It was always hard to come up with an idea for a gift for my husband, an animal lover like the rest of our family. Finally, we came up with a perfect idea with the help of our veterinarian. The vet knows families that would love to have a dog but can't afford buying one, getting its shots etc. at one time but can afford the day to day upkeep.
A few days before Christmas we go as a family to the local animal shelter and pick out a dog. We take it to the our vet and get him checked out and get his shots. After adding a weeks supply of dog food, we let the vet contact the lucky family to come pick up their new pet. There is nothing like the heartwarming feeling to connect a loving family with a much wanted pet. And knowing that we may have very well saved a dog's life is the greatest feeling of all.
I applaud you for doing what you did however, I do agree with Vic. This gift of love could backfire on a family if the dog doesn't suit them. I absolutely support pet adoptions but a prospective pet owner should really do their homework about what type of pet would be best for them and their family. If the pet doesn't work out, back to the shelter or rescue it goes and this is detrimental to the dog. So many people think they want a dog and are compulsive about getting one but in many cases, they haven't thought it through. Just because a dog looks cute or the person wanting one feels sorry for the dog isn't a good enough reason to adopt. Many times it's the children in the family who beg for a dog and the parents give in only to find out that when the 'new' wears off, the kids forget about the dog and the poor animal winds up in the back yard chained to his dog house with little or no human contact and no exercise.
I was blown away by you and your family christmas spirit. People get so caught up in their own families and sometimes its really hard to remember others. I think its wonderful what you are doing.
I think you have a beautiful idea and a very thoughtful way of sharing love. I'm disabled and been looking for a small puppy but finances won't allow me to buy one. I've heard that if you don't spend the money to get a dog, you won't take care of it like you would have by spending money. I don't agree with that but that's my opinion. Blessing to you and Merry Christmas :) Donita
What a great thing to do. My only concern is if the dog's personality is suited to the new humans. Like a really high energy dog goes to a couch potato family. Does the vet do some checking about that?
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