Historical December 1992 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
What veterinarian in their right mind would advise someone not to get a pet?
I would, if the advice were based on the idea of giving a pet as a holiday gift. Bringing a new pet into a family is similar to bringing home a new baby.
Most people would not choose to bring home a newborn on Christmas. Although the situation seems quaint, the reality is fraught with excessive demands on time and emotions. Adding a pet to a household requires a well researched choice of pet, education of all family members about the care and training of the pet, plus a realistic commitment to spend the necessary time involved with the new pet I recommend giving as a gift the promise of adding a pet to the family at a specified time in the not too distant future. Pets interact with people in many ways; a large parrot could be a companion for 30 years, but would not chase a frisbee in the park.
A cat will curl up in your lap as you read by the fire-so might an iguana-with an entirely different effect. Tropical fish make little mess in the yard, but they also don’t run to the door wagging their tails when you come home from work.
A decision to add a pet to a household is best when based on clear needs and expectations of the people involved. Resources available from veterinarians, libraries, specialty pet breeders and trainers can help decision making.
The research process is fun when combined with visits with people who already own the type of pet you are considering.
After a particular type of pet has been decided upon, the next step should be planning the best time to add such a pet to your family.
A new puppy will demand more time than a new kitten; the warmer months are often easier for housebreaking.
Some new owners schedule vacation time from work for the first week with a new arrival. Properly training a puppy will demand several hours a week consistently for the first several months to one year of a dogs life with a family. Considering a dog may be a family member for 12- 16 years, the time invested to ensure he/she is well mannered and a joy to own is well spent Contrary to what many might believe, cats also benefit from planned training time as kittens. Considering the demands on families during the holiday season, a new pet would not receive the time and attention essential to make it a welcomed addition. Be discriminating about where you purchase a pet; a specialty breeder is the best source. Someone who has a particular interest in the pet you want and breeds them for a hobby and possibly as a business. Generally a specialty breeder will have interest in one or two breeds or types of animals and they will be just as discriminating about you, as you are about them. Definitely do not get a dog from a pet store. Selecting a dog or cat from a shelter is a good way to get a pet, but you should be well prepared to judge the temperament and health of a prospective pet in a shelter situation.
A veterinarian is a good resource and should examine your pet as soon as possible after you acquire it.
We have all seen the television commercials, movies and holiday specials with the doll-eyed puppy or kitten peeking out from a gift box to the elated child.
But what happens to that infant pet when the child is more interested in the video game? . Who is going to stay home from the parties to housebreak the puppy or play with the kitten?
I suggest wrapping up a stuffed toy puppy or kitten with the promise to add a live infant pet when the family is prepared to set the time aside to fully enjoy and accept responsibility of a new pet.
Original photograph caption
Child with a pet illustrating the original Pet Talk column. Names and photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, December 1992.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1992_12.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
