Gift of Love

This is an ARTICLE that I wrote for the HATTIESBURG AMERICAN newspaper as printed on December 25, 2009.


Give homeless dogs the gift of love

—-Ryan Henry

A playful, lovable Christmas puppy can bring years of joy to a home.  Any man, woman or child would be filled with excitement at the sight of a puppy wearing a big red bow on Christmas morning.  Unfortunately, 6-8 million dogs and cats find themselves in shelters every year; of those 3-4 million will be euthanized.  However, there is something you can do to help!  By giving an unwanted dog a home this holiday season you are giving the gift of love.  But first you need to ask yourself some questions.  Can you afford a puppy?  Do you have the time that training a young dog demands?  Who will take care of your pet while you are at work or on vacation?  Do you have the proper housing arrangements for the type of dog you want?  According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the annual cost of a small dog is $580, while the annual cost of a large dog is $875 annually.  Puppies require many hours of training and constant supervision, in addition to midnight potty breaks.

Once you have determined that your financial condition and lifestyle are conducive to pet ownership the fun begins!  Before you step foot in an animal shelter be prepared and know the type of dog you are looking for.  You will find dogs of every shape, size and breed at your local animal shelter.  Big dogs require lots of exercise and grooming; therefore, you may find that a cute lap dog is more suited for your home.  Many people overlook adult dogs in favor of a cute young puppy, however this is a mistake.  While puppies require a considerable investment of time, adult dogs are often house broken and beyond puppy mischief.  You can easily find an animal that is perfect for your family.

This holiday season you have the opportunity to give a homeless animal the gift of a loving home and a family the gift of a lifelong companion.  After all, there is nothing better than puppy love!