Posted March 26, 2001

Precious Abigail came to us at the age of thirteen weeks old. She was given to her first mother as a Christmas gift, but sadly, this lady realized -- much to her own chagrin -- that her home was not the best place for Abby. Feeling heartsick, she turned to us to find the best possible home for the puppy. We promised her we would. 

I hesitated on my posting of Abby for many reasons. My biggest fear was that we would be inundated with mail from many quadrants responding only to the adorable picture of this precious baby before anyone took the time to think about what adopting a puppy means. Dogs are for life, not just for Christmas. Abby's first family realized this and wanted to give her the best shot at the life she truly deserved.

Abby's arrival prompted me to speak out on the disturbing subject of Christmas puppies in general. Shelters burst at the seams with "Christmas presents" in the months following December. There is no better time to visit your local pound if you want an affordable purebred puppy.

I wish so much that people would take the time to be certain that puppies are wanted by the recipients of them as gifts and that the receiver is fully prepared to raise and properly nurture and care for a puppy. As difficult as you might think puppy-rearing might be, you often find yourself wishing it was that easy.

The fact is, that cute little puppy does grow up. Quickly. Gangly adolescence falls hard upon them, and then young adulthood swiftly follows. "Adorable" behaviors like stealing food and running away when called don't seem so adorable when dealing with a supposedly mature animal. But the animal has no chance to mature and learn proper behavior if his/her people don't take the time to teach him/her. But guess who pays the price?

A puppy is a living investment. Proper but tender loving care, gentle discipline and guidance are paramount. If you don't have the time or energy, DON'T get a puppy. If you think you still want a puppy, please understand what you will be undertaking if you get one. Please click here, and make certain you read carefully about Puppy Bootcamp and how it has to come before you realize Puppy Love. If, after reading this message, you still want to adopt a puppy, go for it. Abby's adoptive family did, and we could not be happier with it. She has the forever home everyone wanted for her.