There is nothing wrong with oxen, donkeys and sheep under the Christmas tree. They are daycare animals and do not need attention. However, dogs, cats and rabbits do.
To make their eyes shine, every year before Christmas, adults come up with the idea of giving children a pet to play and cuddle with. This completely ignores the fact that animals are living beings with special needs and demands on their environment and that taking them in involves a great responsibility that children can never bear alone.
First pleasure, then pain
“Even though dogs, cats or rabbits are interesting for a short time, after the Christmas and holidays they become a burden in many families. Then they end up in the animal shelter or are even abandoned,” says Wolfgang Böck, head of the “Sonnenhof” animal shelter in Eisenstadt, warning against hasty purchases.
In addition, the Christmas holidays are the worst possible time to take an animal into your home, getting used to the new home is generally stressful for an animal. Christmas crowds, family visits, New Year’s Eve fireworks, etc. cause extra stress during this sensitive adjustment phase.
“There is nothing wrong in principle with welcoming a new family member on an occasion like Christmas. However, a gift voucher or a cuddly toy as a symbolic statement of intent are more suitable as a gift under the Christmas tree,” says Böck.
No awards
The Sonnenhof also receives relevant questions during the Advent period. However, animals are generally not given away before Christmas or during the holidays. However, consultations and mediation conversations, visits, joint walks or play sessions with the dogs on site are still possible.
Better a sponsorship
But what does an alternative look like? Regional Councilor for Animal Welfare Astrid Eisenkopf advises animal lovers to give animal sponsorship as a gift: “This gives children the opportunity to support one or more protégés. In this way you make a valuable contribution to the costs of the shelter and care of your sponsored animal.”
Eisenkopf’s sponsored dog “Rolf” recently found a new home with a loving family. By taking on a new sponsorship, she now makes the mixed-breed dog “Ali” happy and covers the cost of his food at the animal shelter until he too finds an animal-loving family that has enough time.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
