With the holidays just around the corner, many residents have Christmas shopping on their minds as they search for the perfect gifts for family and friends.
While many individuals think that furry companions make the ideal gift, Samantha Giroux, kennel attendant at the Swift Current SPCA, reminds residents that pets are a massive commitment.
“If the person wants a puppy, they can make a really great gift,” she explained. “Dogs are great companionship, cats as well, but if it's a surprise, it might not be the best gift. They might not be able to financially afford it or have the time commitment, because they require a lot of work.
“Parents who are gifting puppies or kittens to children should be aware that they're going to be the caregiver. You can't expect a child to do all of the work, so parents should just keep that in mind if they're planning on gifting any animal to their children.”
Although puppies may seem like a great gift, shelters, especially in larger centers, often see an increase in animals being dropped off after the holiday season.
“We do see it here as well unfortunately,” Giroux stated. “Usually around summertime when people are going on holidays and stuff and they realize, oh maybe this puppy was a little more work than I thought, they didn't put enough training into it, and they've got big summer plans and unfortunately a dog doesn't always fit into those.”
If an individual is prepared for the commitment that comes along with an animal, the next step is to research the breed.
Different breeds naturally have different dispositions, and it is important that their temperament and energy level is a good match for interested individuals and families.
Giroux added that doing research on the breed can help ensure a long-lasting relationship.
“I always recommend people go on to either the Canadian Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club website,” she explained. “It's going to have the best and most up-to-date information for each individual breed. Obviously, with mixed breeds, there's a little bit more leeway with certain things, but that's going to be your best bet.”
The local shelter currently has two litters of puppies available for adoption.
The first litter is a mix of Cane Corso and German Shepherds. These puppies will likely grow up to be quite large.
Cane Corso and German Shepherds are both working breeds and tend to be alert and protective.
The second litter is a Basset Hound mix. These puppies will likely grow to be around 30 pounds like their mother.
Basset Hounds tend to be less active than other working breeds and require moderate exercise.
“They are a 10-to-20-year commitment depending on the breed or species you're gifting here, so make sure that everybody is aware that they're a big commitment,” Giroux concluded.
For more information on these puppies or about their breed, contact the Swift Current SPCA at (306) 773-1806.