A ‘PRESENT’ PROBLEM

Its that time of the year again when waging tails are tucked under Christmas trees. But do pets really make good good holiday gifts? Caring for animals is a huge responsibility and this should not be taken lightly. Animals deserve the best lives possible so before gifting anyone young or old a pet, consider the following.

  1. A CHILD’S ATTENTION SPAN MAY BE BETTER SUITED TO A STUFFED ANIMAL.

Animal shelters are filled beyond capacity with homeless animals, many of whom were former “pets”—all because a child lost interest and no one else stepped in and took the time to provide training and care. Dogs need outdoor exercise every single day, and a huge time investment is required to train (and housetrain) a puppy—children are not mature enough to handle this responsibility.

2. MANY PEOPLE DON’T WANT AN ANIMAL FOR CHRISTMAS.

Has the person expressed an interest in adopting an animal? What type and species of animal would be a good fit? (For example, a well-mannered adult dog or a middle-aged lap cat is often a better fit than a high-energy puppy or kitten.) If a family decides to adopt an animal, every member of the family should go to the local animal shelter together to choose the animal after having discussed the obligations and long-term commitments involved. If you give an animal as a gift, there’s a good chance that the recipient never wanted an animal in the first place, which could result in neglectful treatment.

3. YOU MAY ALSO BE GIVING THE “GIFT” OF DEBT.

Does the person have the space, time, and money to care for an animal? (Caring for an animal companion requires a lifelong commitment, which could go on for over 20 years.) Costs can add up quickly, not only for food but also for vet visits and emergency care when the dog swallows a sock or the cat takes a few bites from a toxic houseplant. Is the recipient a busy person? If so, a regular pet sitter and/or dog-walker may be needed. Think about it.

4. YOU DON’T HAVE A CRYSTAL BALL.

No one knows what the future holds. Are there any foreseeable life changes that could make caring for an animal difficult? (And what about the unforeseeable ones?) For example, some people don’t realize that they are allergic to animals until the animal is already in their care. Many people will leave their animal companion at a crowded shelter, or they’ll pass the animal on to a series of homes, which can lead to behavioral problems and cause trauma and psychological scarring. A lot can change over the years that could affect a person’s ability to provide proper care for an animal.

5. GIFTING SOMEONE WHO IS TRULY READY TO CARE FOR AN ANIMAL COMPANION.

If you know someone who really wants an animal companion and is ready for the responsibility, how about giving a gift certificate for the adoption fee to TNR or KSPCA? Wrap up a food dish and some toys to give along with the gift certificate and put them under the tree. Or you could buy a dog bed or cat carrier and wrap it up with a stuffed animal and the gift certificate. After the holidays, your family can go down to your local shelter (like KSPCA) or take a look at the dogs we have listed on https://tnrtrust.org/category/pets-up-for-adoption/adopt-a-dog/ (we do not have a central location with all of our dogs, ours are in different  foster homes) and choose the best fit pet for your household (after having discussed the obligations and long-term commitments involved.)

excerpt from peta.org

TNR Trust has merged into KSPCA. The Trust will stop its business from July 1st.

Wednesday clinics, Vaccination campaigns and all other services have ceased.

Please contact KSPCA for information on:

1.Sterilization programmes and campaigns info@kspca.or.ke.

2. Fostering: contact rehoming@kspca.or.ke

3. Volunteering: More information https://www.kspca.or.ke/volunteers/

4. Crate Rental: Call 0733 517 125
For issues concerning TNR Trust contact carla@tnrtrust.org

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