Being Prepared For “Gotcha Day”
Dear Mr. Smart T. Pants:
Can you please remind the humans that giving a pet for a Christmas present is a terrible idea? I was a gift last year and even though everyone was excited to see me at first, they quickly got tired of taking care of me and just put me outdoors in the cold. It was scary and confusing for a long, hungry time. Then a kind lady fed me apple slices and timothy biscuits, and brought me to a place where other unwanted rabbits, cats, dogs, birds, hamsters and guinea pigs were staying. We all waited for new homes that wanted us. I was lucky to be among the first to go, but I worry about all the other pets who are given as presents, then thrown away because we are no longer new and fun. And because keeping us means time and work in return for our affection. Please ask the humans to think about us not just on Christmas Day but all the other days that will follow.,
Easter the Rabbit
Dear Easter.
Thank you for sharing your very important story with us. Bringing a pet into its forever home is just that - FOREVER. If you are thinking about bringing a new family member into your home (and that is what we are) here are some words of advice.
Don’t bring a pet into your house on Christmas Day. Instead place a stuffed animal or picture of the future family member under the tree. Then after the holidays are over and everything settles down, make your plans to bring us home. The anticipation and planning for us is exciting and fun too. What should you name us? What will you feed us? What toys and type of bed will we need? Talk about who will be responsible for walking, playing and feeding us. All of these items can be discussed every day in anticipation of the arrival date or what many call our “Gotcha Day”.
Don’t give us as a “surprise gift”. Sometimes human’s think, “Oh they don’t have a pet, let’s get them one so they will not be lonely'.” Wrong! Everyone wants to be wanted and that includes pets. Giving someone a gift of a pet without discussing it with them first and making sure they want the responsibility, is just wrong and the quickest way for us to wind up like Easter.
Having a pet is a rewarding experience if someone is ready for all the good times and I hate to say it, bad times too. We are adorable when we roll on our bellies for a belly rub. But not so cute when we chew up the sofa cushions. We want to be a part of your family, so let’s work together to make it a great experience for both animal and human.
Thank you Easter for sharing your experience and I am so glad you have a wonderful Forever Home.
Mr. Smart T. Pants