Pet ducklings, goslings and teeny dyed-pink chicks may be fairly safe during the Christmas season, but some folks may still want to give a puppy, kitten or other cute, furry friend as a gift.

Unless you know what you’re doing – and you’re willing to take on the pet as your own when it may not work out – buy the kid a bicycle or something.

Hamsters, especially, are known to be abandoned in debris-ridden ditches.

Sure, every little kid would just melt with a new puppy beneath a tree. But that same kid may also claim to melt in the rain when he learns he has to help walk the thing.

In addition to time, effort and love, a new pet also requires some cash on hand.

Shots, surgery, food, supplies, treats and more treats are on the expense list. You may even have to foot a bill for X-rays when the dog screws up your knee lunging into a ditch.

Also think of where the pet is coming from.

Peak holiday puppy buying season is in full gear, according to the Humane Society of the United States, and the organization just launched a new puppy mill tip line.

Folks can call (877)-MILL-TIP to report suspected abuse, cruelty and illegal activities at dog breeding operations.

Call to report your neighbors’ 750 Chihuahuas now.

Since many kids have attention spans that last about 2.06 seconds, a new pet would be ideal until the children spied the next shiny gift beneath the tree or until it was time to fill the food bowl, whichever comes first.

Getting a new pet for the family should be a well-thought-out and premeditated plan, not a spur-of-the-moment purchase. Parents should sit down with kids and explain the care and money the new pet will need. Doubly explain the commitment involved and that a pet is not a toy.

Kids still giving you a hard time?

Ask if the child will donate part of his or her allowance to help pay for the pet food and other expenses. All of a sudden a new puppy, kitten or hamster may not seem as cool as a new bicycle or something.

What do you think?

Have you ever given a puppy, kitten or other pet as a gift? Did it work out?

Have you ever received a pet as a gift? Pet rocks don’t count


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Puppy Mills breed misery, boycott pet stores that sell puppies. Adopt! Don't Shop

Excellent post!

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