A time of giving — and keeping

“Holidays are coming and my new step-daughter wants a Kitten, and we have not much room in the house, so I have a free 6-year-old wonderful cat that needs a good home. She is declawed and fixed with no health problems. … She is playful and well-behaved, generally content to just hang out with you on the couch. No re-homing fee, and she has a nice liter box, toys (including laser pointer) and food and liter.”

This ad appeared on Anchorage Craig’s List on Nov. 20 by an Eagle River poster and was circulated to rescue groups by one of the volunteers. It begs several questions, including what is that child learning about the value of a pet’s life? What happens next year when the stepdaughter decides she wants a puppy? And the year after that when she decides she is only interested in boys, not pets? How many pets will be left homeless because of the whim of a child and the callousness of adults?

Thankfully, most people don’t toss their pets out to get newer models, but many are quick to give up a “beloved family pet” when they move, have a baby or are experiencing financial difficulties. In nearly all of these cases, a lack of commitment to the pet is at the root of the problem.

During the holidays, giving a pet can seem like a great idea. Imagine a child unwrapping a box to find a puppy or kitten inside. What a Kodak moment — unless you are the pet.

While the holidays, when kids are home from school, can be a great time to add a new family member, giving a pet as a Christmas gift isn’t a great idea. Pets are not presents. Pets are living creatures that need to be treated with more respect than something that runs off AA batteries. Their adoption is a commitment of 10 to 20 years.

Instead of “giving” a pet as a Christmas gift, choose to adopt a pet as a family. Do your research, consider your options and your circumstance, and count the costs of long-term pet ownership.

If the pet is to be the special companion of one family member, let that family member choose the pet. He or she might also receive as Christmas gifts some of the pet supplies needed. Keep in mind, animals choose who they like best, no matter who their owner is.

Pick out your pet well before the holiday rush sets in. Give the pet and family time to adjust before the wrapping paper starts to fly. Or, wrap a stuffed pet or a collection of pet supplies for under the tree and bring home the new pet after Christmas. Adoption groups, like ACAT, will often provide a gift certificate or allow you to reserve a pet for later pickup.

More than anything, make a lifetime commitment to the new pet. It deserves nothing less.

Vicki Naegele (Vicki@alaskacatadoptionteam.org) is on the board of Alaska Cat Adoption Team, a 501c3 nonprofit, all-volunteer kitten and cat rescue in Mat-Su and Anchorage. This column is presented as a public service of ACAT and the Frontiersman.