Giving a gift is all about choosing the present that seems right for someone, that will match the surprise effect with instant joy and lasting satisfaction, if it’s not a consumer product! After all, a useful, decorative or dream-fulfilling gift… is here to stay! So, is the doggie at the foot of the Christmas tree a good idea or a bad one?
Delphine Raimond
“The dog that bites its own tail!”
Mostly intended for children, the dog packed among the toys – whether a cuddly puppy or an adult with an endearing gaze – is a living being that requires daily attention and a lifelong responsibility! Deliberately entrusting such a responsibility to a toddler unable to differentiate between desire and spontaneous pleasure, and the inherent obligations, is tantamount to making the parents take on everything, without any real desire, leading to an uncomfortable situation for both them and the animal, or even a probable and traumatic abandonment! Other questions need to be asked about the home environment (adapted or not), the breed of dog and its character in the presence of children, the infatuation and excitement of the latter at Christmas time… which could plunge the animal into a persistent fear, associated with the unpleasant event.
The best Christmas present of all: adoption!
If, however, the family has worked together and the wish to welcome a new furry member is collegial, is it worth reminding ourselves that adoption remains the best solution, rather than buying from a pet shop? Firstly, because a large number of dogs placed in shelters are patiently waiting for a new home; secondly, because an adopted dog is the equivalent of a place freed up to save another one; and thirdly, because adoption is an initiative that involves conscience and full responsibility!
