gjb2779
12/29/12 9:05 pm
A toy version with a note saying lets go get a *insert type of pet* take the family and go get it together. Less stress on the animal & family gets full input in selecting new pet better for everyone involved
susanr Colorado
12/27/12 6:57 pm
I like that perspective, Annie! I'll think as little dogs from now on. I had no idea rats could live that long. I'm pretty sure mice don't - 3 to something less than 4 years in the best of circumstances, I think.
anonymous0 Nevada
12/27/12 8:54 am
What are u talking about? Adoptions from are the most humane thing we can do for animals. 25% in shelters are purebreds, and if u support pet stores instead of shelters, know that they derive from mills where there are sick abuses animals used for money and reproduction.
anonymous0 Nevada
12/27/12 8:47 am
Depends. If the recipient wanted one or doesn't mind another then yes. If the recipient never expressed it then its better to be safe. It would suck if the pet couldn't get cared for..especially if they died.
AnnieM The Island
12/26/12 8:28 pm
I've kept pet rats for about a decade & think they make wonderful pets! They aren't as loyal, doting or even useful as dogs, but they're still fantastic pets. So, I wouldn't see this comment in as negative of a light as some.
Though, I might be more apt to say that pet rats are like little dogs.
arktex
12/26/12 8:15 pm
Yes, but in a note.... And the (kids) find one right for them. Guinea-pig.... They are stoked to find one at shelter!!!
AnnieM The Island
12/26/12 5:28 pm
As a surprise present, absolutely not. Not even as a surprise to the kids, but not to the parents. Any pet, from a fish, to a rabbit, to a dog, to a horse requires research, preparation, and simply getting to know the individual animal you will be adopting/buying...
susanr Colorado
12/26/12 12:16 pm
Truly, bs. I learned just last night that the lifespan of a Great Dane is 6-12 years. Six years is less than a human childhood. If you got a Great Dane when your kid was, say, 4, they could lose it to "old age" when they (the kid) was 10. It's hard enough for many *adults* to lose pets.
EarlyBird Portland
12/26/12 11:39 am
One year, Santa gave each of my 2 kids a cocker spaniel and it was their best Christmas ever!
Other than a parent giving to their child, I don't think giving a pet is a good idea.
Thorn Central Valley, CA
12/26/12 11:27 am
Non needy pets(fish or spiders) sure, but not animals. Dogs and cats are 10 year+ commitments that need love, care, and attention. They are not gifts for a 5 year old
susanr Colorado
12/25/12 10:46 pm
Generally no, but it depends on the situation, as many have suggested. Plus a holiday is probably the wrong day entirely, especially for the pet. I like 1427's idea a LOT, esp. for kids. Give the idea of the pet on the holiday, discuss & research together, pick out later.
susanr Colorado
12/25/12 10:42 pm
Then don't get one. Wrong pet for you. But some people really like them, and they're quite intelligent. You're right that they can be a longer-than-lifetime commitment, but so are children. One plans accordingly.
PeppyHare Do a barrel roll
12/25/12 10:19 pm
The worst thing would be once of those parrots that live to like 120. It doesn't shut up and you have a lifetime of taking care of the stupid thing unless you can find someone dumb enough to take it
ladybug0
12/25/12 10:13 pm
No one should be given a pet without their prior knowledge. Pets are a huge responsibility. I don't see a problem with parents getting their own child a pet as a surprise because they are ultimately responsible. However, no one else should give a pet as a "surprise" gift.
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