The Perfect Holiday Gift Is a Wet Nose

Once again the holiday season is almost upon us. We will be searching high and low for the perfect holiday gift for our friends and family. Some of us will choose a gift card to a favorite store or restaurant. A gift card is a very nice gift but once it's gone, it's gone. Some of us will choose to purchase a gift of clothing for our loved ones. Maybe a nice robe and slippers that will keep them warm and snugly will do the trick. However, choosing the correct size and color is always a challenge. But, if you do happen to get the size and color correct, the robe and slippers will wear out over time and will be discarded and forgotten. So, what gift can be given that stays around for years to come, keeps the recipient warm and snugly, never wears out or gets discarded and comes in many wonderful colors and sizes?

Bringing home a new puppy during the holidays for a child is a long-standing, loving tradition. Watching a child's eyes light up when they lift off the lid of the box and look inside to see a big-eyed furry friend waiting for them is priceless. However, surprising an adult friend or family member with such a gift may cause them to run the other way. Raising a puppy shouldn't be taken lightly. They need to be trained, walked frequently, require near constant attention and, oh yes, potty trained. You have to consider if your friend or family member can handle the obligation and commitment that it takes to handle a puppy's needs.

An alternative to a puppy is to help your friend or family member pick out an adult dog from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. These animals have usually been through all of the necessary training and are ready for a good forever home. Most shelters and rescue organizations have their animals fully examined by a veterinarian including being provided with all of the necessary vaccinations prior to being adopted. Some of the groups also micro-chip their animals for identification in case they stray too far from home.

In addition to viewing animals at a rescue shelter, some rescue groups also bring animals to local adoption events. Observing the potential new family member at the shelter or adoption event will allow you to see how they interact with new people and with other animals. In addition, plenty of research on the type and breed of animal that will fit best into your friend or family member's household must be done. Ask the recipient of the new four-legged friend to come with you to the shelter or adoption event and be sure to allow sufficient time to interact with these wonderful animals so that the right one is brought home. I have no doubt that you will find the perfect "gift", or should I say they will find you...Wet nose and all!