Results tagged “holidays” from Petfinder Blog

Pets as gifts. This used to be one of the big shelter and rescue no-nos. Even the mere suspicion that someone was "shopping" for a gift pet was enough to send a shamed would-be adopter back out the door.

Some shelters used to go so far as to shut down adoption programs during the holidays. The rationale was that a pet not adequately prepared for was a pet unlikely to stay in the home fur-ever.

Now, as the animal welfare industry matures, more emphasis is given to studies and statistics -- and boy have we all been surprised. We've learned that in some cases, people may in fact keep pets they got as surprise gifts the longest.

It turns out that cats, especially, may benefit from less planning and fewer expectations. (There is much to be said about that another day.)

So "pets as gifts" has come into its own. As an exercise, I, lover of all animals, founder of Petfinder, the consummate pet advocate, close my eyes and imagine the quintessential holiday experience -- and what do I see? I see bright packages piled under a sparkling tree and overflowing stockings, and smell hot cocoa. But that isn't all. I'm surprised to find that my Technicolor Christmas includes gift pets. Not just any gift pets, but a fuzzy kitten and a Labrador (can substitute Golden) Retriever puppy.

Wait just a minute here! How did the purebred puppy and fuzzball kitten sneak into my perfect Christmas morning vision? What kind of a terrible animal welfar-ian am I? The red street dog -- the mutt of mutts -- tops my preferred pet list, and a PUPPY? Please! Everyone knows I have a thing for senior pets. Notwithstanding the comical Far Side-esque images that come to mind when I picture my animal-welfare-endorsed, decrepit red senior under the tree, I think if we take a serious second look at pets as gifts, we'll find some inspiring truths.

Last week we asked you to send us your ugly pet sweater pics. The results were even cuter than we could have expected! Here are some samples.

Lori Renner writes: "Thank goodness Kasey doesn't fit in this anymore!" (We think Kasey looks adorable!)












Angela M. Shatzer of Carolina Poodle Rescue in Spartanburg, SC, writes: "Here is one of our Chinese Crested dogs at our shelter. She's so sweet. One of our kennel workers call her 'Hot Momma.' She loves to hug her leg all day long."







Megan Goetz writes: "Mrs. Murphy is ready for the holidays! Cheers!"











Amanda Tredway writes: "This is Landon, a Yorkie mix. He is currently up for adoption through PPAWSS, Promoting Pet Adoptions and Welfare in Sulphur Springs (Texas). Thanks, I hope you enjoy!"


See even more adorable pups in ugly sweaters after the jump!

As the holidays approach, you may remember the decorative, ornate holiday sweaters that were so popular in the '80s and '90s. Some of you might even pull yours out as Thanksgiving rolls around -- hey, what better way to get into the festive mood?

However, all of us in the pet-loving community know the only thing better than a not-so-fashionable holiday sweater is an ugly pet sweater. So send us yours!

Whether it belongs to you or your pet, post it here in the comments section (here's how) or e-mail it to us at blog (at) petfinder.com by Nov. 23 to share a couple of laughs.

And here's the best part: One ugly pet sweater will be made into a holiday e-card!