December 16, 2005

Ask the Animal Behavorist

Pets are not just for the holidays Gift-giving etiquette and tips

By Maureen Strenfel
Animal Behaviorist,
Humane Society Silicon Valley

It’s that time again when you can’t find a parking place, you still have eight more people to buy for, and the song you once sang gleefully as a child is now the most annoying thing in the world.

Animal Behaviorist Maureen Strenfel and her dog Ms. Jitters.

Christmas gets the best and sometimes, the worst of all of us. But don’t let the worst impair your judgment about giving a pet as a gift.

Pets are a lifetime commitment, not just for the month they are received. Getting a pet or adding an additional one to your household is a highly personal decision; one not to be taken lightly. Just as you wouldn’t let someone pick a “best” friend or spouse for you, be respectful and do not pick a family pet for someone without the input of all the family members involved.

Does the receiver have time and resources to properly care for a pet, including grooming, play, exercise, training and medical care? Most people do understand that animals need proper physical care, but animals also need proper mental care as well. Dogs need daily mental stimulation that comes in the form of play, training and socialization.

Cats, as well, need daily play and socialization. All of these things spell out time and money.

Don’t get me wrong, pets are great, if you truly know what you are getting into. Pets do enrich and enhance our lives, there is no doubt!

Scientific studies have shown how just petting a furry, four-legged critter can lower our blood pressure. Caring for a pet can help abate depression and gets us out to exercise and meet other people. And it’s not a wonder why most people do get a little gushy when they see a fluffy puppy or kitten.

But that doesn’t mean they want to own a pet. Ask the receiver first before making any plans to give a pet as a gift. Just because someone finds a kitten cuddly or a puppy cute doesn’t mean he or she wants to care for an adult dog or cat for its entire life. An animal is going to be an adult for a much longer time than a baby, so give a stuffed animal if the receiver wants something small, cute, cuddly and no mess.

Joy Silva and her Jack Russell dog, Bandit, 4, get ready for a photo with Santa at Eastridge. Silva, who was here with Bandit as a puppy, says she loves it. Photo by Michelle Hecht

And let’s talk about children. They mean well. They beg, plead and cajole. They look at you with those big innocent eyes with the adage, “I will take care of it, really I will! You won’t even know that it’s here!”

Pets are a huge responsibility even for an adult. Unless your child has demonstrated exceptional maturity and responsibility, remember that you, the parent, are the real caregiver for an animal brought into your family.

Animals that become homeless just because little Jimmy lost interest or didn’t live up to his agreement with you in caring for his pet are common place in many shelters around the country and HSSV is no exception. Don’t add to these statistics. You, the parent, must want and accept ultimate responsibility for any animal brought into your home no matter how many promises little Susie has made to you.

Did you get through all of that above? Did you get the correct answers to all those time and finance questions? Is the receiver still gung ho? Instead of presenting him or her with an actual animal, try wrapping up a bowl, collar and leash or some toys and a scratching post.

Try buying a book on raising a puppy or kitten or even better, a book on selecting just the right dog or cat or bird or fish for your home. Help our pet overpopulation and buy an adoption gift certificate at a local shelter or rescue group so your loved one can pick the animal of their fancy, when they are ready, not just because “tis the season.” And as Dr. Laura Schlessinger says, “Now, go do the right thing.”

If you have any questions, problems or concerns, please call Humane Society Silicon Valley’s free Animal Behavior Helpline at (408) 727-3383, ext. 753, or e-mail: animalexpert@hssv.org.