Black Friday A PUP-lic Service Announcement.
I did not know that the day after Thanksgiving is was known as Black Friday — in other words the busiest shopping day of the year. Maybe that’s because, I wish that Autumn could just be about leaves and tweed. I mean come on. Why don’t we just re-label Autumn: Hallo-giving-ismas!
Anyway, for those of you are not as cynical as I am about this insane time of year (read: more organized) I’m sure you’re already thinking about your shopping lists.
BUT, I have to mention this — as someone who has been closely tied to the pet industry since having started The Pet Set.
I’m no Dog Whisperer, but — should one of your gifts be for a youngster who has been begging for a dog, or if you feel it would be a great addition to the family — or especially if you are lonely and want some canine companionship, please reconsider.
This is the time of year when people start to think about buying puppies for their family. Often, the choice is very easy: Labs and Golden Retrievers.
Why not, right? They are just so beautiful and adorable as pups. And they look even more so, as you watch a 6-year-old in is pjs on Christmas morning just in awe of this little creature. (And Estee Lauder ads don’t help the situation.)
But I’m telling you…Retrievers are among the breeds most likely to end up in a shelter and probably euthanized once the holidays are over.
The shelters are filled to the brim with 4-6 month old Labs (among the highest shelter population in the country) and other high-engergy pups — because people tend not to realize that their cute little, bouncy, pup will grow to become a 75 lb. adult dog VERY quickly. (still very cute though).
You may have heard professionals say that Labs have boundless energy. It’s no lie. I own a 7-year-old and he has not slowed down one bit since he was a born.
All dogs are people dogs, but Labs especially…they CANNOT be left alone (unless you live on a farm and have work for them to do).
Also they get bored easily if they are not active (including mental stimulation) which can evolve into some really bad behavior problems, which can lead to the shelter.
They want to play and run and eat and play and run (and I don’t mean trot, I mean really run) for the majority of their life on earth. Thus the name “retriver” or “go-getter”, as I like to say.
If you or someone in your family can handle that…by all means, go to a reputable breeder and pick out the one who you think matches your family make up the most.
Just know Labs need training immediately, and continually. They do learn quickly…but they are stubborn as mules and will not remember what they were taught yesterday (or so they have us believe.)
But again, maybe wait until Spring.
I’m sorry, speech over — Trotter just brought his tennis ball to me…time to play.
A Public Service Announcement from the Council of Crazed Labrador Companions.
Image: The Pet Set.
