Local experts say dogs are the worst Christmas presents
Debbie Loewen, owner of Four Wheels Four Paws, poses with Granite and Teddy in her home in Windsor on Dec. 15. Though she has saved hundreds of dogs over the years, she tells her clients not to consider adoption this close to Christmas. Photo by Taylor Busch.
Windsor Essex Humane Society employees are excited about breaking last December’s record for most pet adoptions in a year, but still have to discourage residents from giving sheltered animals as gifts during the holidays.
According to Canine Rescue’s website, about 1 million dogs are adopted each year through Canadian shelters, another million are euthanized through no fault of their own and more than 500,000 are killed through methods of extreme cruelty, neglect and exploitation. It is estimated that less than 50 per cent of all pets are kept by one family through their lifetime.
They attribute these high numbers to impulsive buyers who choose dogs for themselves or others with minimal preparation and research.
Rachel Dottermann, a manager for the Humane Society, said many of the animals coming in were purchased as gifts at one point and they do their best to discourage people from putting the animals through another traumatizing experience.
“We feel adopters should be included in the adoption of the animal they receive, mainly to make sure they are a match as oppose to something you think is cute,” said Dottermann. “This time of year we want people to think about what plans they have coming up, what they’re planning on doing to make sure a pet is the right fit for them. If they aren’t sure, gift certificates are a great option too.”
Local dog experts believe formal training, regular exercise and shared responsibility among family members is the key to keeping animals adopted long-term. Nick Howchuck, owner of K-9 Development, said he’s seen many first-time owners get overwhelmed when they rush into the decision of getting a dog.
“People buy dogs like they’re buying a piece of furniture unfortunately. I’ve seen it too many times where they buy it on a whim, they don’t do the research and it turns into a real nightmare for the people and the dog,” said Howchuck.
He said he has advised many clients experienced and not to start by filling out online tests honestly to discover which breed of dog fits their lifestyle best. He also suggests talking to several breeders about the average energy level and temperament of previous litters long before picking a pup to make sure they will be the best match for the dog.
“In my opinion the worst thing you can do is buy someone a pet, especially a dog, as a Christmas gift because a dog is work and there’s so many expenses that come with them… they can spend thousands in the first few months alone and that’s if you go with a reputable breeder. Pet store puppies come from puppy mills, come with a lot of issues and cost a lot more,” said Howchuck.
Trainer Debbie Loewen, owner of Four Wheels, Four Paws said it is too close to Christmas to make a decision now. She suggests waiting until spring or summer so owners can spend the majority of their time outside training their dog.
“I think it is a fabulous idea to have a dog, but I do think too many people might not think it through, research the breed and call people and before they make their decision,” said Loewen. “Christmas is supposed to be a happy time and it ends up not being such a happy time for those puppies and kitties that eventually get abandoned.”
With more than 2,100 adoptions this year and nearly half of their cages waiting to be filled, the Humane Society wants to remind everyone that they are expecting an influx of healthy and adoptable animals after Christmas that will be in need good homes.
“Think of it like you’re adopting a person instead of a fly-by-night thing,” said Barry Shangi, whose family has fostered older dog Gigi for the Humane Society since last Christmas. “You have to make sure the whole family is on board with being committed to taking care of the dog, bringing it in for its checkups, feeding, letting it out all that good stuff. It really helps when a family can pull together to participate in the care of the animal you brought home.”
Dottermann says there are still many deserving animals waiting to find their forever family and hopes many Windsorities will consider adopting or fostering in the new year.
