In the lead-up to the New Year, the same phenomenon repeats itself every year.
Online, on social media, and on marketplaces, sales of puppies and kittens “as gifts” increase sharply.
Pretty photos, ribbons, slogans like:
“the perfect surprise”, “make your child happy”, “the best holiday gift”.
Online, on social media, and on marketplaces, sales of puppies and kittens “as gifts” increase sharply.
Pretty photos, ribbons, slogans like:
“the perfect surprise”, “make your child happy”, “the best holiday gift”.
And it is precisely at this time that animal welfare and veterinary organizations around the world once again remind us: a pet is not a gift.
Why?
Because a gift can be set aside, exchanged, or forgotten.
A living being cannot.
Why?
Because a gift can be set aside, exchanged, or forgotten.
A living being cannot.
A pet:
— does not “switch off” after the holidays;
— does not become boring after a month;
— does not stop needing care when the weekend ends;
— does not understand why it is suddenly no longer wanted.
An animal means:
— responsibility for 10–20 years;
— ongoing expenses;
— daily time and attention;
— veterinary care;
— travel, relocation, and limitations;
— and most importantly — attachment and trust.
— does not “switch off” after the holidays;
— does not become boring after a month;
— does not stop needing care when the weekend ends;
— does not understand why it is suddenly no longer wanted.
An animal means:
— responsibility for 10–20 years;
— ongoing expenses;
— daily time and attention;
— veterinary care;
— travel, relocation, and limitations;
— and most importantly — attachment and trust.
After the holidays, shelters around the world observe the same increase:
animals are returned, given away, or abandoned with explanations like
“we didn’t think it through”, “it didn’t work out”, “the child lost interest”.
But the animal did not lose interest.
It was simply waiting for a home.
animals are returned, given away, or abandoned with explanations like
“we didn’t think it through”, “it didn’t work out”, “the child lost interest”.
But the animal did not lose interest.
It was simply waiting for a home.
If you are considering getting a pet,
let it be a conscious decision, discussed by all family members, made not in the rush of holiday sales and emotions, but with the understanding: I am taking responsibility for a life.
The best gift is not an animal under the tree.
The best gift is the readiness to become a home for someone.
let it be a conscious decision, discussed by all family members, made not in the rush of holiday sales and emotions, but with the understanding: I am taking responsibility for a life.
The best gift is not an animal under the tree.
The best gift is the readiness to become a home for someone.
Take care of animals. They come into our lives not for a holiday — but for years!!!
