Please don't give pets as gifts.

[John]

OK, We had an email asking if it was a good idea to give a puppy as a gift for Christmas.
NO...NO...NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unless you already know that the person you're thinking of giving a pet to has their heart set on a specific pet (meaning ... they already picked one out) it's a terrible idea.
Too many pets are abandoned or neglected by their owners.
If a person doesn't have their heart set on a pet, please get them something else.
A pet is a long term responsibility. Many people either won't want to or won't be able to care for the gifted pet over its life span which will result in a bad situation for the pet.

Thanks for the question. This is important.

John