Think twice before giving a pet as a holiday gift
Animals require a long-term commitment. Many are soon dropped off at shelters.
By Caroline Neeley Special to the Acorn

Are you having fun this holiday season? Are you finding good bargains? Are you getting out there with all the other early birds searching through the racks and shelves in the hopes of finding that perfect gift for that someone special?

I'm enjoying myself. I'm enjoying the cool nights allowing me to relax in front of the fire while savoring the warm scent of burning wood

Unfortunately, though, I'm behind on my holiday shopping, but when I do get out, I'm the queen bargain finder and can always find that "just what the doctor ordered" gift.

Finding the right gift isn't an easy task. For me it's quite a challenge, and you know me- challenges are my specialty. With that said, I want to be sure that the gifts I give are something the recipient needs, could use or would look fantastic in.

I would never think for a moment about giving someone a gift that meows, barks, whistles, slithers or crawls.

Animal shelters all over the nation become disturbingly over-crowded in the first quarter of each year, with cats and dogs holding the floor as being the most abandoned or rejected.

If you absolutely must give someone a pet, please consider these options before you buy.

•Is it a gift that is really wanted?

•Will it bring tremendous pleasure or become a burden?

•Calculate the money spent each month to feed the pet. Can the family afford to spend the extra?

•Can you set aside the additional expenses of annual shots and medical care if needed?

•Can time be spent on general care, such as brushing, walking, bathing and training?

•Who will be the caretaker when the family goes on vacation and can't take the pet along?

•If you're giving a pet to a child, is the child an appropriate age to bear the responsibility?

Having an animal as part of the family is good for some but can become a hassle for others. Cute and cuddly doesn't last long, maybe a year or two. The life span of a cat is around 22 years give or take, and dogs, with the right care, can sometimes outlast their humans.

If you're inclined to give or receive a pet this holiday season, be sure you can give Fido, Whiskers, Tweety and friends what they are so good at giving in return: loyalty, love and energy, besides being your personal bodyguard (Fido that is).

Carefully consider your decision before you make your purchase, and remember, there are a lot of animals waiting for a home at your local animal shelter and humane society.

Neeley, conflict negotiator and anger management counselor, lives in Camarillo. She can be reached at (805) 484-5134.