As this Christmas gets closer, I unfortunately overhear people mentioning to others about the wonderful Puppy, or Kitten or Bunny that they plan to spring upon their lovable child, and I'm sorry but I am repulsed by the idea. In a child's mind, Christmas is about opening present after present until there are no more presents left, and then as quickly as the high and rush of ripping open colored paper, and bows is over, then comes the almost depression and boredom that sets in when there is nothing else to see brand new. That is what children are, and it won't ever change, especially nowadays when they see this "thing", and that "thing" advertised on TV, making them almost rabid with desire for it, and for the love of God they must have it or they will die. A child being bombarded with that idea has absolutely no chance to resist, and to be fair here in America, having a childhood means enjoying the idea of getting presents for Christmas. I don't blame a child for that. That is our culture here that has been pushed and shoved onto us, as stores, and businesses try to make their yearly profits in one quarter. This concept of bombarding parents and children with "stuff" turns everything into objects, and as everyone knows, a month down the line, that "thing" that your lovable child wanted so badly has dust on it or the kid has just plain old misplaced it out of neglect, and is looking for the next "it" to get their hands on. Some parents decide that boy it would be wonderful to get little Johnny or Janey a kitten, or puppy for Christmas, and that in my opinion is the last thing that needs to be gotten for anyone on Christmas let alone an impatient child.
When you bring a domesticated animal into your home, that is supposed to become a member of the family. Period.That means that that member of the family has roughly the same needs as anyone else. They need attention, love, patience, medicine or a trip to the doctor when they are sick, and protection from the elements. I can't speak for all children, but in the mind of a child, a puppy, or kitten on Christmas day equates to an object that when they get bored, they can just put it aside, and not look at it, or when they have something they feel that they need to do, they can not attend to the needs of the particular family member who needs the most attention, which by the way all of a sudden becomes not them. A living animal is not a good present at all to give a child, because in their mind it is just that..A present, and not a living breathing life force with feelings. parents make this tremendous mistake, and then of course that puppy or kitten who is not so cute anymore, or the novelty has worn off is now off to a shelter, or in some cases depending upon the thoughtless individuals involved, worse, such as abandoned, or given away to some other folks where treatment is below standard, and the poor animal lives a miserable life all because someone thought this life was a good idea to give as a Christmas present.
Am I being dramatic? To be frank, absolutely not. When you adopt a pet, and have children, make sure that child understands that this is now a member of the family, that needs care, and love just like they do. Children need to understand that the new family member is alive, has feelings, and can be a wonderful friend that can give joy. Presents should be just that..Things to be played with, and have as objects....A pet is not that, and 9 times out of 10, if you give a child a pet for a Christmas present, they won't be able to in their young minds separate the two concepts. That is not their fault, because most young children can't think 3 dimensionally just yet. It is up to parents to not put them in a position where that gets confused.
Also, It's never even a good idea to get an adult a pet for a present, because most people don't really understand that a certain match must be made regarding temperament, lifestyle, and needs of that particular animal..Most men would never buy a woman shoes correct? So don't presume to get an animal for someone without talking with them first.That animal might end up the same fate as the shoes..Back to where it came from, because they didn't fit, and it was the wrong style.
I have been fortunate enough to over the last 15 years to have been the daddy of many animals that I loved, and took care of, and each one that I was able to pet, and woke up to feed was special in their own right. I don't have children, but they were my children as they relied on me to feed them, notice when they were sick, give them attention, and a dry place to sleep. I am proud of what I did for them, and yes it took plenty of patience sometimes, and lots of time to take care of them, but they love unconditionally, and even if you are a complete asshole, your pet will love you like you are the greatest thing since Hot Pockets..It takes a real jerk to not respond to that type of love. That's what a child has to understand, so give a little separation from Christmas, before perhaps investigating getting another member of the family. Because that is what you are investing in. Not just some pet, but someone who will love you and possibly be able to be a long friendship for your child or children. Don't turn a life into a "Thing" for Christmas. By the way I learned these things through osmosis over the years of being around the most compassionate animal people I know, and that knowledge is invaluable to me. I hope I can pass on a fraction of what I learned.
Merry Christmas Folks!
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