03/12/2024
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gx4uVPYja/?mibextid=WC7FNe
The festive season is approaching fast and Christmas๐ shopping๐ is on the to do list. Whether Christmas or not, animals ๐พ should notโ be on that ๐list!
SHOULD ANIMALS BE GIVEN AS GIFTS?๐๐พ
โNOOOOOOโผ& here is why:
1. Animals are not and should never be seen as commodities. They are sentient beings and not disposable toys. Giving them as gifts sends the wrong message.
2. Animals are not gifts, they are 10-20 years (or more) commitments.
3. Many animals given as gifts find their way to shelters a short time after. According to some studies at least 14 % if not more. This sounds low to you, but in an overwhelmed animal welfare system, this is 14% on top of crowded shelters and it could have been prevented.
4. Children's attention span will fit better with a stuffed toy than a sentient being whose needs should be a priority. Children lose interest quickly.
๐ฆHAVE YOU CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWINGโ๏ธ
โ
Interest: Did this person already express interest in owning a pet?
๐ฐCost & Resources: Is the recipient financially capable, stable and willing to pay for food, supplies, veterinary care, and other services over the animal's lifetime? You don't want to give them a gift of debt.
โTime & Energyโก: Does the recipient have time for daily exercise, interaction, and play? How active are they? How often is this person at home? Although you might love them, they do not come without work.
๐ Space: What kind of environment will the animal live in? Does the building or residence have any restrictions on pets?
๐ฎThe Future: Do they plan to move locally or possibly overseas? Are there kids on the way or job changes coming? Could there financial situation change soon?
๐งฉ๐งฉCompatibility: What kind of animal would fit this recipient's lifestyle best? Are they right for that animal? It is not just about the owner, but also about the needs of the animal.
๐ง๐ตAge: Is this pet age appropriate? Some kids are too young to take responsibility for the pet and buying pets for elderly parents can be just as irresponsible.
๐ฉบHealth: Does the recipient have allergies or other conditions that would conflict with caring for this pet?
๐๐๐ฆOther Pets: Will this new animal get along with other animals in the household?
THE LIFE OF AN ANIMAL IS IN YOUR HANDS......ARE YOU WILLING TO RISK THEIR LIFE AS A GIFT? ๐พ๐
Animal Naturopath & Communicator
