Animal Matters

Most have been quite open that they are looking for these as surprise presents. As such they do not want the recipient to know anything about it! This is so disappointing as every year the mantra ‘A pet is for life, not just for Christmas’ is widely extolled for good reason.

We, just like all responsible rescue centres, would never allow an animal to be rehomed without those involved in it’s welfare coming to see it first. We need to see that there is good interaction and understanding of the responsibilities involved. Indeed, with our dogs, prospective adopters are required to visit on a number of occasions and agree to a home check also.

Taking on a pet is an important responsibility and one that, with a cat for example, could last for the next 20 years. Careful consideration of all that this entails is crucial to making the right decision. To think that they are suitable as surprise presents goes against everything that makes sense to us.

There is no doubt that Christmas brings with it a lot of joy and happiness but it also heralds many challenges for our pets in general. As with any time of the year the most important issue, from our point of view, is that all the factors and responsibilities involved in owning the proposed pet have been fully thought through. If they have and they can be met then go for it - and enjoy!