SEBRING -- One of the warm fuzzies of Christmas is having a child open a box and have an adorable puppy, kitten, or gerbil jump out.
Experts warn, however, that introducing a new animal into a household during a peak period of excitement, when life is hectic and guests coming and going, is stressful for animals who have just left their familiar world and are now surrounded by strange people, sounds and smells.
The distractions of fragrant food, wads of wrapping paper and strands of twinkling lights can overwhelm an animal, leading to accidents and unruly behavior.
Pets, after all, are living creatures, which need healthy food and steady routines in order to develop into calm and reliable companions.
The earliest days spent with their new family are the most important ones for a new pet. That is the time the animal learns what is expected of it, and who will be in charge.
The most important thing someone contemplating bringing a pet into the home can do, said Paul Antone, who owns the Arcade Pet Stop at 2183 U. S. 27 North, is research.
"You have to have a clue," he said. "It's just a matter of knowledge. Make sure you know to take care of (a new pet). There is more to it than just being cute."
Having a pet requires thinking ahead. Food and bowls, cages, leashes, treatments to prevent fleas and ticks are just a short list of necessities.
Of course it is important to know what a potential pet likes to eat, how much exercise it will need -- and who will provide it -- but, it's equally wise, especially when buying exotic pets, to know which animals tolerate being touched and which do not.
It is also important to pay attention to one's choice. An adorable puppy may grow up to be an 85-pound bouncing ball of destruction, while an active kitten grow into a lazy, slumbering cat.
When buying fish, for example, it's essential to match the different types, so they don't eat other up before the new year.
Remember that mammals will require a lot of attention, and even fish tanks and terrariums require cleaning and care. Having a pet, in other words, takes time, effort and care.
"I get a lot of people giving up their pets," Antone said, adding it is only because those people hadn't done their homework and bit off more than they could chew.
Animal shelters also report that in the months after Christmas many families bring in new dogs and cats they cannot keep -- either because of the time involved or the money.
Instead of presenting the actual animal on Christmas day, wrap accessories, like a food bowl or a cage or an aquarium, so when they are opened and the recipient asks why this gift, he or she may be told there's more to come, after the excitement dies down. A card announcing the gift may also be used.
Another good reason to wait and let the future pet owners make their own choices is that the selection process should be done by the pet's main caretaker. Again, animals are living things, many with complicated feelings, and the selection process is an important part of the bonding experience. To chose one's own pet is like falling in love, to be given a pet is more like dealing with a marriage broker.
Pets enhance life. But it's best to remember that they are a responsibility as well.
SOURCE: newssun
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