Should I Get A Puppy for Christmas?

Should I get a Puppy for Christmas?

Written by Kelly Glasson

Photography by Southern Vintage Photography

Every year videos go viral of happy families on Christmas morning opening up a box with an adorable little puppy inside. Tears are shed, the puppy is hugged and we get all of the feels. However, what happens after the video ends and the Christmas spirit fades away? Is getting or giving a puppy for Christmas really a good idea?

Let’s start with the pros. Christmas is a time for cheer and joy… and what spreads more joy than an adorable little puppy? Dog lovers everywhere can argue that receiving a puppy will be the greatest gift that has ever been sitting under your tree. Vice versa the experience of giving someone the joy of a puppy and all the love that they will bring is an unforgettable experience.

Christmas is a great time for happy families who are ready for the commitment of getting a puppy to give them a loving home! It is also a perfect time for kids who have been good all year to be rewarded by Santa with their new furry best friend.

If there is a puppy sitting under the tree with a bow on their head from a boyfriend or girlfriend then that is definitely a good sign that they are in it for the long haul. Nothing says commitment like agreeing to raise a dog together. And on the other hand giving a puppy shows a significant other that one is seriously invested in the relationship to want to take on such a big responsibility together.

This litter of puppies were rescued by Eunoia Rescue and all found homes for the Holidays.

While there are many pros to a Christmas puppy, there are also cons to consider before making the decision. If it is not clearly communicated with someone that they are ready to take on the responsibilities of a puppy, this present can be disastrous. While the gift giver may be thinking that this is a great idea, they may be setting the puppy up to be returned. Not only are puppies a huge time commitment but they are also a financial commitment. If it has not been clarified if someone is ready to take that on that responsibility then getting them a puppy is not a very smart or practical gift. Returning a puppy is not like returning any other gift because this gift is a living, breathing creature. Bringing a puppy into a new home with entirely new people screaming and crying with excitement is a very stressful experience for them. What is even more stressful for a puppy is to be put into a loving home where they begin to form bonds with their family only to be returned because their owners weren’t ready. Not only will that but stressful but they will have to acclimate to a new environment again. No one wants to put that kind of stress on an innocent puppy just because there has been a lack of communication or understanding about the responsibilities that come along with raising a pup.

Picking out a puppy is a decision that most want to make themselves. The bond between a puppy and a person is very strong and most of the time an experience that the owner would prefer to have. Dog owners often tell stories about picking out their dog and what made them stand out and how they instantly felt a connection. This would not allow for them to have that special bonding moment.

It is also not a good idea to get a puppy anticipating the children in the family will take care of it. No matter how many times they promise they will feed the puppy, walk the puppy, play with the puppy, etc. kids change their minds constantly. One thing that is constant is that the puppy needs to be taken care of and often times the parents end up taking on the responsibility. Relying on children taking care of the puppy is a fast track to returning them. Many puppies are returned after the newness has worn off or the puppy grows up.

The holidays are a happy time to be enjoyed by all. If this includes a puppy sitting under your tree that is great! If you aren’t ready for a puppy that is okay too. If you are in the holiday spirit and would like to help puppies a great way to spread holiday cheer is to make a donation to a local animal shelter or animal rescue.