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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: lgemini on December 05, 2011, 01:47:11 am

Title: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: lgemini on December 05, 2011, 01:47:11 am
I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: Sendmicheck on December 05, 2011, 02:14:51 am
It would be a good idea to give your son the puppy for Christmas.  A dog is a man's best friend.  I give you credit for taking care of a special need child.  You mentioned, he talked about the puppy , that mean he is looking forward to be surprise for Christmas.  Good luck, with your new puppy.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: SmartyTru on December 05, 2011, 02:46:24 am
There are many things to consider b4 getting a puppy let alone for a special needs child(mine is grown thank god lol 35)first who is going to take care of the dog? Is your child ambulatory? A puppy is a LOT of work however the rewards and love can be well worth your time and effort. I am all for dogs getting a nice loving home especially when it comes to a special needs child just be careful before you jump in and send a pic when he gets his new puppy lol (because I know your going to get it anyway lol)

Merry Christmas
To You and Your Son
Patrick :wave:
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: sherryinutah on December 05, 2011, 02:50:39 am
I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   

I think it's a beautiful idea.  I love animals and that's a gift that will keep on giving. 

On the other side of the coin...a puppy...can be high maintenance for a while.  After it stops chewing things up and is house broken I'm sure it will become a very valuable and loyal family member. 

Merry Christmas!   :heart:
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: abdyer2001 on December 05, 2011, 03:11:38 am
Only get the puppy if you are ready for the comitment that comes with it. unfortunately the sad fact is that a lot of people give puppies for christmas then they find out that they require more attention than they are willing to provide.  The puppies then end up going to the humane society. or being dumped out..    If you are ready for the comitment of a puppy, maybe check some of the local shelters in your area to adopt a new puppy ..  :dog:
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: fogarty815 on December 05, 2011, 04:52:54 am
My younger child, my beautiful daughter, is also special needs and if anything, trust that if you can take care of your son, you can take care of a dog.  We don't have one, but we have a wonderful cat, who was the reason my son first walked! And now she is loved by my daughter as well. Pets can be so comforting and healing as long as we make sure we keep the pet's needs in mind, too.  :cat:
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: donnainky on December 05, 2011, 05:02:01 am
I would suggest adopting a puppy from a shelter or rescue group. There are so many wonderful dogs available. When picking your puppy be prepared for a long term  commitment. Research breeds and decide what fits your lifestyle. Small dogs versus large, active versus calm. Really understand what you are bringing home so you are not shocked or overwhelmed. Good luck and Merry Christmas.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: Tresbn00 on December 05, 2011, 05:02:35 am
A dog is a huge commitment and, since your child has special needs, you should be prepared for a lot of work. The first year will be spent cleaning up after teh puppy and the numerous things that it will get into.  Walking the dog first thing in the morning, at lunch time and before you go to bed at night are important because they have to go potty too. Have money set aside for vet bills because your puppy will need two visits, minimum, per year.  In other words your 'present' is like a second child and will need a lot of time and attention.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: mgint on December 05, 2011, 05:36:35 am
yes if you have room and time for one will make a child very happy.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: poppy1 on December 05, 2011, 06:07:10 am
Having an animal is like having a baby.  ;D If you have discussed it with everyone that will be involved with caring for it, I think that it is great.  :thumbsup: And if it fits into the budget  :dontknow: vet, food, accessories  ??? That would be the best gift!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: animikokala on December 05, 2011, 06:13:20 am
Like others have said:  getting a dog is like getting another child.  They require a lot more maintenance than a cat does.

I also recommend researching breeds to match your needs (allergy sensitivity, exercise/space available, temperament, etc).
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: gaylasue on December 05, 2011, 08:25:51 am
Yes, a puppy would be a great Christmas gift if that is what is wanted.  I don't think it is a good idea if it hasn't been requested.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: mimimarlene on December 05, 2011, 08:31:57 am
It would be a wonderful gift if your son is old enough to help take care of the puppy and would be kind to it.  Some children get pets too early and cannot help with the responsibliy or do not know how to care for a pet-But remember it is a very long commintment and everyone in the family must want the puppy. It is also a big investment, food, vet care etc. so be sure you are ready for it.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: mlhigby on December 05, 2011, 08:44:58 am
I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   

I think a puppy is a great idea i got one for my kids the only problem i am having with it was the deal that i made with my kids is they have to help take care of the puppy my twins are 10 and i though it would be a great way for them to learn responsibility and with your kid being a spacial need kid and being a pre teen ya its a descant amount of work but to let him have a dog and you can teach him to help take care of the puppy that way he feels good about being response able for some thing other then there self. I don't know what kind of place you live but i have found bigger dog are much friendlier then small dogs i have a great Pyrenees & lab mix it a huge dog but is very good to my kids not mean at all and can handle if the kids hold to tight or a little rough. where a poodle or chwawa  might bight if your son gets to rough that is my thought.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: jeannia2 on December 05, 2011, 06:56:04 pm
I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   
I myself thank he would like to see a puppy under his tree. And know you will be there helping him with the puppy. He would  love it to the upmost.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: sugarloveytlc on December 05, 2011, 07:13:51 pm
yes!!!!
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: abdyer2001 on December 06, 2011, 02:28:46 am
I have to stress only if you are certain that you are ready for the comitment, my sister works at the local pound here, and after christmas there is always an increase in animals coming in. and sadly not all of them are adopted..   so please make certain you are ready  dont want to see animals get put down just because they make a cute gift.. 
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: mary_k on December 06, 2011, 03:20:59 am
Every kid would like a puppy for Christmas. Have a video camera ready because you will want to capture that look on his face when he see's  it.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: jenniferhoder on December 06, 2011, 03:32:05 am
YES- we got my girls one last year and they just LOVED it. Good luck!
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: tammypete on December 06, 2011, 05:42:25 am
Well its a good idea of you are my kids. lol     They have been wanting one for so long and I haven't caved in yet!   Still thinking about the idea....
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: kaitsilva on December 06, 2011, 05:56:24 am
As someone who got a puppy when I was 10, I would DEFINITELY suggest it! We actually got him a couple days before Christmas and I thought it was the best thing in the world.

I would definitely say research your breeds before buying. Every dog is different but some breeds have different dispositions in general, so some might be better for you and your son than others. For instance, I have a Jack Russell Terrier and I know they're not for everyone because they have a lot of energy and require a good amount of attention.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: melinder on December 06, 2011, 09:16:03 am
I think it would be a good idea to get him a puppy
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: kapeh12 on December 06, 2011, 09:45:09 am
I echo the cautions others have noted about making sure the family is ready for the responsibility of taking care of a dog (vet bills, walking, expenses, etc).  If house breaking is a concern, the item I'd toss out for consideration is maybe instead of a little puppy, you may want to consider getting a younger dog (year or 2 old) - that way the dog would still be young enough to be frisky as a young pup, but you wouldn't have the extreme issues of puppy training/maintenance.  It would be easier to house train an older dog than the puppy only a couple months old.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: handllucas on December 06, 2011, 06:42:22 pm
I would advise that a 1 year dog - or older- would be a better idea. Puppies need a lot of training and patience. They can be easily hurt by accident by over excited children. They can also hurt a child in the same way. I would also take time to research  the different breeds to find a pet that would be a good fit for your household.

And of course, as always I reccomend checking into local shelters and resue organizations.

Hope this helps
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: lannl on December 07, 2011, 12:06:39 pm
I think it is a good idea. The puppy will keep your son pretty busy and your son will have a faithful companion.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: eaparicio on December 07, 2011, 12:58:03 pm
yes me and my husband were thinking about it but then again our sons b-day is jus a month later
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: dreamongirl on December 07, 2011, 02:28:29 pm
i think a puppy would be a great idea. but make sure you can work it in with all the things you will need for it. get coupons for dog food sign up at pet shops for discounts.. etc
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: ayerla41 on December 17, 2011, 07:43:15 am
If you have had dogs before and your son knows how to take care of them then that's fine. If it's your first dog go with an older one - way less hassle. Also ALWAYS get one from the shelter. Those dogs need love.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: amstewart on December 17, 2011, 07:59:28 am
No way!  They are cute when they are pups but can grow into annoying and demanding creatures that will inhabit your home for decades,.
Stick with fish!
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: webmasterdn on December 17, 2011, 08:36:02 am
If your are going to buy an animal for someone or for yourself, make sure the person or yourself loves animal, and have enough money to feeds it lol. You might as well buy a doll or just something nicer beside any live things.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: bowrunner on December 17, 2011, 10:04:08 am
Since your child wants a puppy then I think it is a very good idea.  As a special needs child it should give him something to be responsible for and something that will love him no matter what.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: hicaniplay on December 17, 2011, 12:41:00 pm
Have you had a puppy yourself before?
I'd go with the couple other people who suggested a young dog, not a puppy.
You can find ones that are already trained, housebroke and with good manners, and see their behavior and if they'd fit your home much better than guessing and hoping or training a puppy yourself.
I know people are afraid of bad habits, but old dogs definitely can be taught new tricks! Plus, lots of dogs are given up for reasons that have nothing to do with them not being wonderful companions (family having to move, lost job, death, whatever).
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: kayleeann2313 on December 17, 2011, 12:55:38 pm
Puppies are a great idea! Especially if they really want one. Puppies teach responsibility, etc. (:
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: Skyisbluetoday on December 17, 2011, 03:29:53 pm
You should give him a puppy! Puppies are to much fun to play with! :)
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: Snoozey on December 17, 2011, 07:31:04 pm
The problem with puppies is that most of them haven't been trained. You may need to think about getting a small dog instead, one that has been trained already. Small pets are also good for children with disabilities. My cousin is autistic and he really enjoys playing with my rabbit, and she is really good about letting him play with her without biting him.
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: melinder on December 17, 2011, 10:50:35 pm
I think that a puppy is a good idea for a christmas gift
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: mlhigby on December 22, 2011, 11:09:59 pm
I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   

Hi again well Marry Christmas it just a couple day away did u decided if you going to get you son a puppy or dog that he has been wanting if so that is cool and what kind of dog are you thinking of getting him a big dog a small dog what kind of breed or did you decided to hold off for a little while longer well hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Title: Re: Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?
Post by: tantricia44 on December 23, 2011, 12:33:49 am
lgemini, I think it's a good Idea to get your child a puppy but please consider the extra work you & your family will be burden with. Personally, I think parents shouldn't give their kids a puppy to raise by very young children or irresponsible teens. It's great to have that new puppy but when it becomes boring or the kids lose interest;the dog will be the 1 suffer. I scream with bitter anger every time I see on line animals neglected by their owners b/c every 1 lost interest on the dog or the excuse is they don't have money to take it to the vet for minor illness or injury. The sad thing is that they don't do anything about it until the dog is literally Skin & bones from starvation, or at death doors due to a minor injury that never got treated & infection set in & b/cm full blown. The sad thing is that there are many good dogs that are trained but homeless & it breaks every1's heart when gets pet adopted out is returned to the shelter b/c the family couldn't handle the dog. Not only does the humans at the feel that they failed but that dog also feels that he failed. You see it in their eyes when they get returned. (I'm not promoting or doing anything for gain)but for information only. Lgemini, check out SAD online (Save A Dog), I'm a member in which I virtually foster 2 dogs that is endangered b/c it's placed in a kill shelter or is homeless. I virtually foster 2 dogs until those dogs get out of the kill shelters or find a 4ever home. In this site you can locate hundreds of shelters & organizations state wide. There are thousands of dogs looking for forever homes & responsible loving owners. There are even homeless dogs that went through the "Cell Dogs," program getting trained by an inmate & graduated/fully trained but still waiting to find a home year,after year after year......... Hope you solve your issue but please think about the 4 legged baby too.  :thumbsup: :dog: :crybaby2: :bunny: :cat: :dog: :fish: :dog: :crybaby2: