'Santa Paws' is a pet peeve

Idaho Humane Society to Hold Holiday Adoption Festival

By J. Gelband, 12-17-07

For about 23 years I asked Santa for a dog for Christmas. The fat man never brought me one. Though, to be fair, I also asked for a dog from the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny, the turkey wishbone, the birthday candle genie, the first star I saw one night, and my parents and no one ever brought me one.

I eventually got a dog and it was a good idea to wait and pick her out myself because I got to select the one I loved most from all the wonderful homeless pups at the Idaho Humane Society.

This Saturday, Santa will be at the Humane Society, the state’s non-profit animal welfare organization, for the Holiday Adoption Festival. It is a festive opportunity to welcome a new dog or cat into your home this holiday season.

If your family is ready to adopt a homeless pet, the Holiday Adoption Festival will feature discounted adoption fees. There will also be refreshments, a silent auction, a presentation of “What to Expect from a New Pet and How to Make the Transition” by the in-house veterinarian, and, of course, there will be campy photos with your pets and Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Humane Society notes that pets make wonderful companions, but they must be regarded as long-term family members not just a Christmas impulse buy.

And, actually, maybe Santa and the Tooth Fairy had the right idea back in my days of asking for a dog, because the shelter also strongly discourages people from giving pets as surprise gifts – rather, people should be prepared to make a pet ownership commitment for life. 

For more information, check out the Idaho Humane Society’s web site.

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