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So the Kids Want a Dog for Christmas. Is Adopting One a Good Idea?
11 December 2019
Insights + Opinion
By Sharon Elber
You may have heard that giving a pet for Christmas is just a bad idea. Although many people believe this myth, according to the ASPCA, 86 percent of adopted pets given as gifts stay in their new homes. These success rates are actually slightly higher than average adoption/rehoming rates. So, if done well, giving an adopted pet as a Christmas gift can work out.
<p>However, to increase the odds that you will find a good fit for your family and will be ready for the challenges of pet adoption during a busy time of year for many, consider the following tips before you sign the dotted line and commit to opening your home to an adopted dog this <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/holidays" rel="noopener noreferrer">holiday season</a>.</p>
<p><em>Sharon Elber is a professional dog trainer and a writer at </em><a href="https://www.wileypup.com/" target="_blank"><em>WileyPup</em></a><em>, a website that provides information about canine health, nutrition, breeds, training and products.</em> </p>
1. The right fit is more important than the right time.
<p>One mistake to avoid when <a href="https://www.wileypup.com/why-adopt-a-shelter-dog/" target="_blank">deciding to rescue a dog</a> over the holidays is to force the timing while compromising on the right fit for your lifestyle. Important considerations like breed mix and/or personality type can be neglected as families rush to adopt and make a selection from the limited options available at that specific time. </p> <p>The holidays are a busy time for animal shelters which can cause the selection of dogs to wane in the weeks leading up to Christmas in particular. It is a mistake to adopt a dog simply to check the box. Instead, carefully consider your family's lifestyle and work with a shelter and/or foster and breed rescue groups in your area to find a canine companion with the right personality, exercise needs and training requirements for your family. </p> <p>Consider offering an "Adopt a Dog" coupon if you can't find the right fit in time for the big day. This will give your children the excitement of knowing a new furry addition to the family is on the way, while also offering the benefit of getting them involved in the selection process. Dog toys in advance of your new dog's arrival also make great stocking stuffers.</p>2. Make sure to budget for post adoption expenses.
<p>The adoption fee often covers the cost of any vaccinations and/or spay/neutering that your rescued dog has already had prior to adoption. However, it is important to schedule a vet visit within a few weeks of your adoption, make sure your new family member is up to date on vaccines, and cover the initial cost of monthly medications such as heartworm and flea/tick prevention. These costs can easily mount to $300 or more, so be sure your post-holiday budget has room for these costs. </p> <p>In addition, you will have food, toys and bedding costs that always spike when adopting a new dog. Allow for these costs as well or incorporate them into your other gift purchases this year.</p>3. Build a holiday schedule that accounts for the needs of your new pet.
<p>Rehoming is generally a stressful time for animals in the rescue system. Often unsure if they have found a permanent home or just another temporary location, dogs can be prone to developing anxiety issues if transitions are not handled with care. </p> <p>If you have holiday travel plans, it might be better to wait until the new year to adopt. Bringing a dog home only to drop them off at the kennel a few days later is not the best idea for your new pet. Instead, plan a "<a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/care/dog-friendly-travel-staycation-ideas%20" target="_blank">staycation</a>" if you adopt a dog this holiday season and make sure to schedule time for dog-focused events such as extra walks, training sessions and fun games like fetch and tug.</p>4. Get the kids involved in the care of your new pet.
<p>Depending on your child's age, taking on some level of responsibility for the care and training of the new member of your family is critical. This helps them to learn valuable lessons about caring for animals, responsibility, as well as offering a chance to build a human/animal bond built on trust and respect. </p> <p>For example, children ages 3 - 5 years old can assist with daily care routines such as feeding, checking water and walking your dog. Older children can participate in training sessions and take on more responsibilities like joining in on puppy classes. Dogs need daily exercise and mental stimulation, so consider creating a responsibility calendar for kids so everyone in the household has a part in caring for your pet.</p>5. Look beyond the shelter for adoptable dogs.
<p>Finally, if you visit the shelter and don't find the dog you are looking for, do some research to locate other adoption options in your community. For example, there are many breed rescue organizations devoted to saving particular dog breeds from kill shelters, puppy mills and abandonment. In addition, many communities have networks of volunteers devoted to fostering dogs until they find their forever homes that you may find on social networks or by a basic internet search.</p> <p>One big advantage of going through these volunteer organizations before adopting a dog for Christmas is that they have direct experience living with the dog in a home setting. This means they can speak honestly and knowledgeably about any special needs, compatibility with other pets in the household, or suitability for your family's lifestyle, dog friendly amenities (such as a fenced yard), and dog ownership experience.</p> <p>Giving your kids an adopted dog at Christmastime is about more than watching their faces light up with joy when they receive their new pet. With a little planning and consideration, you can make sure your adopted dog is a good fit for your family so that the joy your new pet bring extends way beyond the holiday season.</p>From Your Site Articles
- Are Your Holiday Decorations Toxic? Separating Fact from Fiction ... ›
- This Holiday Season Your Best Gift Can Be a Donation to a Nonprofit ›
- 10 Ways to Indulge and Stay Healthy This Holiday Season - EcoWatch ›
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By Katie O'Reilly
There's a fine art to setting a mindful example while also providing some good old-fashioned fun.
<p style="">That's why <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra" target="_blank">Sierra</a> scoured toy stores, tech startups, kids' outfitters and adventure companies for unique gifts that are gentle on the planet, but that also provide developing minds with truly exciting fodder. Behold some of 2017's most ethically conscious—and awesome—toys, games, gear and more.</p><h4 style="">1. </h4><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image" style="">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNTUxMDQxNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwMTE4NTE2Mn0.2zPlsf5cVz3X_-oaTNyRa2rkAsdgZLg_CCdwxvWP1bM/img.jpg?width=980" id="f779e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="03feab23be260285444c7b57e60f0abc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Piper</small></p><p style="">We're all about encouraging kids to unplug, but at the same time, we can't ignore the fact that ours is an increasingly tech-dependent world. So, it doesn't hurt to instill the fundamentals of coding, engineering and STEM-centric problem-solving at a young age. The <a href="https://www.buildpiper.com/?utm_campaign=Holiday%252520Gift%252520Guide%252520-%252520Raspberry%252520P&utm_term=Piper%252520website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=directmailmac" target="_blank">DIY Piper Computer Kit</a> ($299) teaches kids aged 7-12 to assemble their own computers, and then code and program them. How? Through step-by-step instructions provided within the 3D worlds of popular computer games including Minecraft and Raspberry Pi. (So no, yours will not be the dreaded "boring" educational gift). Because the Piper set gives kids an active role in the technology they use (as opposed to one of passive consumption), teachers have been utilizing it more in school settings. What's more, Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak endorses it.</p><h4 style="">2. </h4><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image" style="">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNTUxMDMxMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNDM0NzY5MH0.RSOcGx84ePt1lnZqXGUAZQ4HtQ9ErnGKY4x_h4jNj50/img.jpg?width=980" id="a4b20" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8c804a1edadcf9d893b0015369d8b680" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">TickleMe Plant</small></p><p style="">The best way to get kids jazzed about nature, science and gardening? Growing a plant of one's own, of course. When his fifth-grade teacher gave him some seeds, Mark Chipkin grew his first plant—one that very memorably responded to his touch by dancing "like an animal." The experience got Chipkin so excited about the wonders of nature that he says it helped launch his career as a science teacher. He also went on to create <a href="http://ticklemeplant.com/" target="_blank">TickleMe Plant</a> greenhouse kits ($20), which contain everything kids need (soil, seeds, six pots and simple instructions) to grow indoor plants that are particularly interactive. Once they sprout, they close their leaves and lower their branches when tickled (or, as Sierra editors can attest, even merely touched). The kit also comes with "10 Fun Activities" for the TickleMe plant, as well as packaging (made from recycled plastic) that acts as a mini-greenhouse. For an added eco-bonus, the soil is made from discarded coconut shells.<br></p><h4 style="">3.</h4><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image" style="">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNTUxMDI1OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMDU5Mjk0OH0.wepZa2OThv9Y9s1jPYsSEKclfbxjJ7McJ8lJeBJWrFg/img.jpg?width=980" id="c0703" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d7102d5f678bb0631663a77fb7090181" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">KAZI</small></p><p style="">Nurture budding chefs' and foodies' interests with a cool gift that gives back: The Kitenge Child Apron ($20) from <a href="https://kazigoods.com/" target="_blank">KAZI</a>, a company that features goods crafted by African artisans, and whose profits help provide sustainable income to East Africa's rural poor. Normally wrapped around the heads or bodies of women in African villages, the multi-colored patterns used to create the Kitenge aprons (which are also available in adult sizes) showcase unique style, and carry special significance.<br></p><h4 style="">4. </h4><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image" style="">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNTUxMDE4Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMjcyMDM5OX0.KQ37h6N953CoVDA_7qrmP45sgEBhYVD1B4NCHwPyrlc/img.jpg?width=980" id="34456" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7b7061c52b214122cec0c9c3e697547c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit..."> Morakniv </small></p><p style="">Foster an appreciation for the art of wood-carving at a young age with the gift of the <a href="https://www.industrialrev.com/morakniv" target="_blank">Morakniv Rookie</a> ($20), created by Swedish knife-makers who've been making professional carving tools since 1891. With a rounded safety tip and finger guard to prevent slipping—along with a small, spindle-shaped handle for small hands—this knife is specially designed for children. <br></p><h4 style="">5. </h4><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image" style="">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNTUxMDExMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyODY0ODE5OX0.eB6EjWbBNz4QK1lNg3ldKETokxEtlmJ_BNeDo6C7IBw/img.jpg?width=980" id="bf5dc" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c70cb872573f18f7cc784180b02aae8c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Modern Moose</small></p><p style="">Made from sustainably-harvested birch wood and non-toxic water-based inks, <a href="https://www.modmoose.com/" target="_blank">Modern Moose</a> natural wood clocks ($49) teach kids the analog-era art of telling time. Available in the images of moose, sharks, foxes, suns and more, these old-school pendulum wall clocks also make for fun nursery and playroom decor.<br></p><h4>6.</h4><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image" style="">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNTUxMDA5Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwMTMxNjg2MH0.e51ttnRJqVlD2VStI1zRTviQpHfXnbH21bSpT20lcNU/img.jpg?width=980" id="74ba9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ad65104464cf01094418b242dd7df787" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Tonka Trucks</small></p><p style="">For a classic toy that may well instill a planet-saving ethos, look no further than the <a href="https://www.toysrus.com/product?productId=137247976" target="_blank">Tonka Mighty Builders Rugged Recycle Truck Play Set</a> ($30). The 25-set package comes with batteries, a 4-piece take-apart-and-build recycling truck, a driver figure, safety cones, a trash bin and 17 durable "Tonka Kid@Work" building blocks so kids aged 1+ can mix and match parts with other Tonka playsets to create their own vehicles. We vote this gift "Most Likely to Spark Some Formative Conversations About the Importance of Recycling."<br></p><h4 style="">7. </h4><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image" style="">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNTUxMDA5My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzQyNjU0MH0.LogAFiTsgUWWYFANlcJ4-9H22PsSGFzrVTsuWRRXVNs/img.jpg?width=980" id="894d9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="40024381ba2c6005715fc0f953094683" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit..."> Giesswein</small></p><p style="">Keep little feet comfortable year-round with 100 percent boiled wool, which is naturally moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating and breathable. <a href="https://www.giesswein-usa.com/category/kids" target="_blank">Giesswein</a> is an Austrian houseshoe-maker known for hand-crafted wool products that use zero synthetic glues, are colored with vegetable dyes, and dipped in natural latex. And they have a playful line of adorable (and machine-washable) children's slippers created in the images of dragons, reindeer, polar bears and many other adorable creatures. What's more, their non-skid soles are safe for wee ones, as is the secure fit. This dirt- and water-resistant gift, suitable for indoor and outdoor play, is ideal for preschoolers required to wear shoes indoors, and available in babies', toddlers and children's sizes up to 10. Our favorite is the Klein Leine model ($51), which turns kids' feet into doggies busy chewing bones.<br></p><h4 style="">8.</h4><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image" style="">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNTUwOTk5My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzgxMzA3NH0._gr-8xVgqUgLxPglSCJW8r8P6U4UR5H9Vqus_LEcI4U/img.jpg?width=980" id="8e3eb" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e4bffeeed66348db52bd235521c1a43b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p style="">The image of a shiny new bicycle beneath a garlanded tree has become iconic of the year-end gifting bonanza. Now, you can keep the trikes and little bikes of yesteryear out of landfills, thanks to Yuba Bikes, which offers the first kids' cargo bicycle built to grow with its rider—from 15 months to age six. The <a href="http://yubabikes.com/cargobikestore/flip-flop-balance-bike" target="_blank">Flip Flop Balance Bike</a> ($120) lets you start tots out on a low-frame setting. As they grow, you can flip the frame over to a higher setting (and even flip it back down for a younger sibling). Kids can load up the cargo hold with their adventure accoutrements of choice—be they rocks, toys or snacks. Best of all, the Flip Flop comes in a rainbow of solid colors and, for animal lovers, Giraffe and Cow prints, too.<br></p><p style=""> <em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/green-gifts-kids-will-love" target="_blank">SIERRA Magazine</a>.</em></p>
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