Category: Awareness

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I’m A Pet, Not A Present

Nothing makes a better Christmas present than a cuddly puppy, right? Wrong.

There is a huge misconception that pets make great Christmas gifts, and while your child might beg for a puppy for Christmas, you should think very carefully before you buy one. Presents don’t get any better than a puppy if you’re purely looking for that “ahhh” factor. A cute puppy popping out of a gift-wrapped box may seem like a very adorable gift idea to many, but unlike most gifts, live animals can’t be exchanged if they’re not the right fit.

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 training a puppy is a huge time investment. Children are not mature enough to handle this responsibility. If you are looking to please a small child, a stuffed animal may be better suited for a gift rather than a real dog.

The main reason to avoid gifting a dog for Christmas is simple, you probably don’t know whether the recipient really wants a dog, or any other pet. Having a dog as a part of your household is a huge commitment and many people are simply not prepared to take that obligation on. The holidays are a busy and hectic time for families – do you really want to make them even more hectic with the addition of a new pet?

Bringing a new dog in to such a hectic surrounding can have really harmful consequences. Trying to adapt a new dog to his new home during Christmas is not an easy task. There are too many distractions and new dogs require a lot of attention and care.

Dogs require significant time as well as financial commitments. By giving a dog as a gift, you are assuming that the recipient lives a lifestyle that would allow them to care for the dog. You also need to consider the fact that pets are a lifetime commitment. Many dogs live 12 to 15 years or more, and unless you know that the person you are giving the pet to can make this kind of commitment, look for another gift.

It is easy to buy a dog and gift to someone, but you need to be aware that the recipient is the one who will have to take care of the pup. There is food, vet visits, checkups, and other things like toys, grooming, training supplies and bedding.

If a family decides to adopt a dog, every member of the family should go to the shelter together to choose the dog 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 a dog in the first place, which could result in neglectful treatment.

Unfortunately, many people view pets as commodity items, they are viewed as a new toy or something to play with. Dogs are not toys, there are living beings and you need to treat them as such. Dogs require a great deal of care and they can eat up a lot of your time. Improper care and training for a dog can lead to behavioral problems which if not corrected, can lead to even bigger problems. Countless numbers of pets are given up to shelters or taken in for euthanasia due to “behavior problems” that could have easily been prevented with proper training.

Before you buy that fluffy puppy as a Christmas gift for your child or loved one, think carefully about whether it is really the right choice. Tragically, countless pets given as holiday gifts end up in the shelter system and many of them never end up finding a new home. If you do decide to give a pet as a gift, put the time and forethought into the decision.

Here’s an idea, if you REALLY know that someone wants a companion animal and is ready for the responsibility, how about giving a gift certificate for the adoption fee at the local animal shelter? Wrap up a food dish and some toys to give along with the gift certificate and put them under the tree or wrap up a dog bed with a stuffed animal and the gift certificate. After the holidays, you can all go down to the shelter together and pick out the dog who’s just right for the gift recipient.

From all of us here at Paws Give Me Purpose, we send out a very important Holiday reminder – ADOPT DON’T SHOP. Happy Holidays!

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The Best Things In Life Are Rescued

This is Lazarus.
Lazarus is a Boston Terrier.
We rescued Lazarus from a backyard breeder; she was breeding dogs to sell as show dogs.
She considered Lazarus a defective dog because he wasn’t the ideal show dog.
Lazarus was neglected, and living outside.
Through intense heat, rain, sleet, snow, wind, thunder and lightning.
Lazarus was very scared.
When informed of the circumstances we drove 6 hours away to aid in rescue efforts.
We pulled Lazarus to safety.
Lazarus arrived at Paws Give Me Purpose very fearful of many things, including humans.
We never gave up on Lazarus!
Lazarus lives in sanctuary and has learned to trust.
Lazarus has learned that humans can love.
Lazarus has learned to be less afraid, but still has some issues.
We never gave up on Lazarus.
Lazarus never gave up on us.
Lazarus has regained faith in humans,
help us save other dogs like Lazarus!

https://www.paypal.me/pawsgivemepurposeinc

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Halloween Safety

Trick-or Treat! Halloween is here, and though you might get a kick out of the adorable witches and ghosts who come to your door, your dog may not be as thrilled. Halloween can be a fun time for children and families, but what about your dog?

Halloween is usually pretty loud and chaotic, much different from any other “normal” day of the year. Be aware that all those fun Halloween activities we enjoy might be stressful for your dog. Unusual activities like constant doorbell ringing and costumed visitors can all pose threats, causing your dog anxiety whether they are usually prone to it or not. Dogs are creatures of habit, and when their normal routine is interrupted they can feel uncomfortable and even agitated – Halloween is no exception. Keep your pets safe this year by following these easy tips.


1 – TRICK-OR-TREAT CANDY IS NOT FOR DOGS

ALL forms of chocolate can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. There are also many candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol which is also poisonous to dogs; even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures.

2 – DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG OUT IN THE YARD

Vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable, yes! But preventable nonetheless.

3 – KEEP YOUR PUP CONFINED, BUSY AND AWAY FROM THE DOOR

Your door will be constantly opening and closing, and your doorbell with ringing constantly.  Strangers will also be on your doorstep dressed in unusual costumes, this can be scary for our furry friends, which can result in escape attempts or unexpected aggression. Putting your dog in a secure crate or room away from the front door will reduce stress and prevent issues. Give them a toy, chew, bone or activity to keep them busy during this time.

For nervous animals, the screams of kids and the endless chiming of doorbells can become overwhelming. You can use calming products like those you might use during a thunderstorm or fireworks to bring your dog some relaxation and relief during Halloween as well.

4 – KEEP HALLOWEEN PLANTS SUCH AS PUMPKINS AND CORN OUT OF REACH

Although pumpkin is a wonderful super-food for your pup, the potentially moldy Halloween pumpkins or corn display that has been sitting out can cause big problems. Gastrointestinal upset is a possibility whenever pets eat something they aren’t used to, and intestinal blockage can occur if large pieces are swallowed. So, keep the pumpkins and corn away from your pups.

5 – KEEP YOUR DOG AWAY FROM LIT PUMPKINS

If you are using candles to light your jack-o-lanterns or other Halloween decorations, be sure to place them well out of reach. Should your dog get too close, they run the risk of burning themselves or causing a fire.

6 – KEEP ELECTRIC AND BATTERY-POWERED DECORATIONS OUT OF REACH

As with any holiday decorations, electric and battery-powered decorations are certainly safer than candles, but they still can present a risk. Dogs who chew on electrical cords can receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock or burn. Batteries can cause chemical burns when chewed open or gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed. Glass or plastic if chewed and swallowed can cause lacerations anywhere on the body and within the gastrointestinal tract.

7 – DON’T DRESS YOUR PET UP UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN THEY’LL LOVE IT

Not all dogs are comfortable wearing costumes. If you do decide to dress up your pup, make sure the costume does not restrict movement, hearing, eyesight, or the ability to breathe. Always supervise your dog while they are wearing a costume so that if something goes wrong, it can be addressed immediately.

Additionally, don’t wait until Halloween night to put your pet in a costume for the first time. Any time you introduce your pup to something new, it’s best to go slow. Get your costume early, and put them on for short periods of time and make it a positive experience by offering lots of praise and treats.

8 – PLEASE! MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS WEARING AN ID

If your dog could escape and become lost, having the proper identification will increase the chances that he or she will be returned. Collars and tags are ideal if a Good Samaritan finds your pup, but microchips offer a permanent identification should the collar or tag fall off. Please be sure the information is up-to-date.

Halloween can be a little intimidating for a dog who doesn’t understand all the hoopla. When it comes to your furry friend, be mindful of where you put the chocolate, exercise him early to drain his energy, and reward him with dog-safe treats when he is non-reactive to trick-or-treaters. Above all else, Halloween should be fun for the whole family including your furry friends. Keep these tips in mind during your festivities to ensure everyone stays safe and have a wonderful time.

Happy Halloween!