[Silly]

Thanks for posting this. Giving animals for Christmas is such a bad idea, especially dogs, who require long-term, steady care.

I remember the awful stories from pet stores when 101 Dalmations came out -- everyone wanted a dalmation. But few people knew it was a breed unsuited for most families.

[Freya]

We adopted one of the "Christmas puppies" that a young couple purchased, had for 11 months, never trained it, and then gave it away because it was a monster. She is a badly behaved dog (we have had very little success in correcting her bad habits) but so grateful and loving and happy to be with people who love her and want her around them (she was kept locked in the kitchen by her original owners). I think the main problem is people buying dogs they have no idea how to train. This one is a Weimaraner, which is a high maintenance dog who needs owners who know how to deal with difficult dogs. It is sad so many people purchase dogs they have no business buying (especially as dogs like Weimaraners aren't cheap - although we got her free!) and then end up ruining them. I have hopes for my girl, she is only 2 years old and Weimaraners have a long puppyhood, and she is the sweetest dog around, once you let her sleep in the middle of the bed (under the covers), sit in your chair and eat all your food.