by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer

Article by Maria Elena

With the holidays here, folks are shopping around for that very special gift for their loved ones and friends. And what better gift than the companionship a puppy can offer…but unfortunately, the timing just isn’t right. With all the activity on the agenda, we don’t always have time for a new roommate. Amongst the usual activities such as work and school, we are all occupied by festivities, shopping, and the family trips.

A life changer

A young puppy isn’t a gift- it’s a life changing partner that needs special attention and care. Consider what changes have to take place in a new home.

First, a person must reorganize their living style to accommodate a curious pup. That means that furniture may have to be moved. Dangerous items such as cleaners and electrical wires must be up and out of puppy reach, and they’ll also have to ensure the puppy has a good place to rest their paws.

The second step is going to be the most time consuming. Feeding and potty training aren’t included (just like batteries). So a puppy addition to the home now requires the proper training in order to keep the carpet clean for new guests that arrive for the celebration. Alongside that, a puppy also needs the proper training to ensure good behavior or they’ll stay mischievous for the rest of their lives.

Finally, the fun, but most important part is puppy attention. A puppy isn’t the kind of gift you get where you can say “Oh, thanks,” and hide it in the closet with a few other odd gifts. A puppy is a living, breathing, lovable creature that needs attention to help them develop and bond with their owner. Playtime, walkies, and exercise are just the basics of ensuring that the puppy has a good, loving home where they can grow and mature alongside their companion.

A time of stress

Not only are we stressed about the holidays, a puppy is stressed, too. Not just about the holidays (they don’t do much shopping of their own), but when you introduce a pup into a new home, everything is new and strange. It takes a lot of attention and nurturing to help a pup settle safely in their new home.

Also, with parties going on we don’t have time to keep an eye on everything. You may end up with that clever little rascal running about in the kitchen or dining room as they try to sneak a piece of what you have cooking. A puppy is far more sensitive to human food than an adult dog, and you don’t want them getting sick and ending up at the vet with an expensive emergency bill.

Puppies are not gifts

It is a sad thought, but most pups that are given as a holiday present don’t get to stay in their first home. Most are given away or are sent to animal shelters where they await a future home with another family who will hopefully have time to spend with them.

Needless to say, if you’re considering the option of a puppy as a gift- Don’t do it. A puppy is not a gift- their friendship is the gift. So take the time to consider how a puppy will change you or your friend’s life, and make sure that you are doing what is right for both your friend and the puppy.

If you really want to give somebody the companionship of a puppy, do it later when things have calmed down quite significantly. Take the time to plan things out. And after some thought, you might actually find out that they don’t have time to take proper care of a puppy. But, if it turns out they would like a puppy, when the time is right, a four-legged friend might just make your friend’s day. Your friend will be able to give that rascal the attention they deserve, and I’m sure the puppy will thank you for it, too.

About the Author

“Porch Potty – A Dog Owner’s Dream Come True, http://porchpotty.com“