Letters 12-08-2014

Dec. 7, 2014

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Thanks For Thanksgiving

Nice "Thank You" letter by Stephen Tuttle [in the November 24 edition]. Good idea.

Sandy Ford, East Jordan

Don’t Give A Dog or Cat!

The holidays are "the most wonderful time of the year," but they aren’t a wonderful time to add a new dog, cat, or other animal companion to the family. That’s why it’s important to resist the temptation to give a living, breathing animal as a "gift."

Animals require plenty of time, attention, patience, and money–all of which are scarce during this season. Adopting a cat or dog means making a 15-plus year commitment to unconditionally love and care for the animal. It also means finding an animal who is a good match for one’s activity level, experience, abilities, and personality. These aren’t decisions you can make for someone else.

Many animals given as "gifts" are surrendered to shelters, chained up in backyards, or dumped outdoors to die after the holidays, when the novelty wears off and families find themselves overwhelmed.

Please don’t let the holidays end in heartbreak for an animal. If you are certain that your loved ones want an animal and are ready and able to provide a lifelong home, consider wrapping up a bowl, leash, and a certificate for an adoption and spaying and neutering at a local animal shelter. That way, the recipient can choose an animal who is a good fit for their personality and lifestyle– after the hectic holiday season has passed.

Lindsay Pollard-Post, PETA