A Puppy For Christmas

Getting a puppy as a gift for Christmas sounds like such a romantic thought. But the reality is that puppies don't make good Christmas gifts. It's kind of along the same line, that you wouldn't surprise a family member with a baby adoption, just because you thought they would like a baby. It sounds rediculous, I know. But puppies require a similar preparedness and responsible decision because it's a lifetime commitment to that puppy for 10-15 years. Parents may want to give their children a puppy, and as long as they are making the decision in a responsible way, that may work out fine. But I caution against bringing home a puppy during the hectic holidays. The transition home should be a quiet transition, with the puppy coming into a normal family routine. Let's face it, the holidays are usually not quiet or routine! There's often travel, visitors, and a lot of commotion surrounding the holidays. Not to mention that having a lot of visitors coming into the house may risk your puppy's health when they aren't fully vaccinated and protected until 12-15 weeks of age. If your plans for the holidays revolve around a nice quiet period of being home and off of work, then with being prepared and mindful of the puppy's transition, it may work out to adopt a puppy at this time. But just be prepared with a normal schedule and minimal visitors for puppy.