[Bella_Bru]

Thank you. Volunteer work at shelters has shown me what happens when puppies are given as presents. We get bombarded about 3 weeks later with puppies that mom and dad cannot take care of.

[diotima]

I donate money and goods to a no-kill cat shelter and my mother rescues German Shepherds from the animal shelter (she is a breeder). It is very unfortunate when people think it is simply a cute little "gift" to give a pet, however, animals are complicated, time-consuming responsibilities. They have behaviors, personalities and needs that must be regarded. There is nothing more disturbing than seeing a shelter filled with people's "gifts."

[xsmommy]

i can attest to the stressfulness of a new puppy. we have had ours 2 months now, a jack russell terrier pup, who is a handful. i knew it was going to be work, and was committed to it, and have 3 kids who are of varying degees of help. it is not something to be undertaken lightly. we thought long and hard and my husband the dog-hater will tell you we ended up doing the WRONG thing by getting him, but i think we will survive. and we love our xspup.