Never Too Late On Starting To Want A Puppy For Christmas

A puppy for Christmas? Sounds like every child's dream. Nothing feels better than getting a new puppy for Christmas. In my later years, all my pets have been rescued.

I'm a big supporter of pet adoption. Take your time and do your homework ahead of time, especially if it is a gift for a child. Shelters are overfilled with love right now. Not just puppies but older pets and lots of cats. 

Growing up, getting a puppy was always on my Christmas wish list. I got a Hot Wheels track instead. I already had a mini Collie Sheltie. The dog was amazing and helped me get through my childhood and would eat almost anything I hated at the dinner table.

The biggest thing to remember is when you decide on getting a pet, understand the commitment you are about to make. It's a friend for life not just for the holidays. You will have to learn patience with your new addition to the family. Remember to a puppy everything will be new. Training a puppy takes dedication—and time. It is a wise idea to research to take on that responsibility.

Your local animal shelter has dozens of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other critters just waiting to find their forever home. Here is some help finding the right forever friend for you and your family. Many shelters offer spaying and neutering procedures for free or at a discounted rate, along with other procedures.

If you believe you're ready for the investment, you're going to want to take some steps to prepare. Before taking on the responsibility of a puppy (or mature dog), you should ask yourself these four questions.

The last thing you want is to welcome a new pet into your family, only to have to re-home them shortly after. It's hard on you, and even harder for them. You'll want to make sure you have the time and resources to take care of the animal.

Likewise, you'll want to make sure you're getting the kind of pet that fits your wants and lifestyle. If you're often away from home for long periods of time, maybe a cat is better for you than a dog. It's also important to understand the situation currently happening in your house. Not every dog loves children or other dogs or pets. You don't want to disrupt your current situation with a new variable. That could be chaotic!

Finally, make sure you have the budget to take care of the animal. If you're already struggling to put food on the table for your family, it's probably not the best time to get a puppy!

Don't forget! Older pets make for great companions, and they're often looked past in shelters and rescues. Puppies can be a handful but older pets make ideal companions, especially for those seeking a somewhat mellower furry friend.

The first few days in your home are special and critical for a pet. Your new dog will be confused about where he is and what to expect from you. Your dog may be a bit uneasy at first as he gets to know you. Be patient and understanding while also keeping to the schedule you intend to maintain for feeding, walks, etc.

My two dogs are a handful. Jett is an almost 2-year-old lab. He doesn't want to give up on his puppy image. So far since adoption, she has eaten 2 lazyboy chairs and loves tearing up everything if left alone for 2 minutes. So this Christmas Holiday, if you're looking to get a dog or cat. Adopt a pet. Trust me, it's love at first site.

Make sure to check out the company called, "Pets." The county Office is a resourceful website that is dedicated to offering accurate and up-to-date information on pet adoption to help pet lovers find their perfect pet companion.

If getting a puppy is on your list this year, I understand! However, you should also consider rescuing and put some thought into an older companion, too! They're often already potty trained and equally in need of love and affection. Read more on rescue animals below!

The Trials And Tribulations Of Having A Rescue Dog

All my life every one of my pets has been a rescue pet. From dogs to cats, birds, and even fish. Just have a soft spot for animals. This loveable dog came into our life as its previous owner could not handle the dog as the owner was pregnant and the dog was always jumping up on her. It was too much for the family to control. This is when Jet became part of our family at the Screamin' Ranch.

Jett is a Lab Sheppard mix with tons of energy that we thought we could handle. Jett is about one year old and I can't wait for the terrible two's that are coming. The saying goes, " If you have one pet you have a family. Two or more pets and you are a referee." In total as of this writer's deadline, we have 3 pets and awaiting one more rescue kitty cat from a co-worker. My problem is they are all girls.

 A lot of work raising a dog with so much energy.  Anything she does wrong that sad puppy dog face gets me every time.  Jett has been with us for just about one year. Without any further ado, I would like to show you our feature presentation of Jett's greatest hits of destruction. The Trials And Tribulations Of Having A Rescue Dog

Not one but both of my favorite Archie Bunker La-Z-Boy chairs were destroyed in less than a few hours while I was at work on the radio. Still have yet to be replaced. I miss them so much. Did not know there was so much foam that went into a chair.

This is Jett the Rock Dog in her latest quest. To eat a kitchen screen window. Had left the house on a Sunday night to go to DQ for an ice cream cone. As I pulled out the driveway I looked at Jett looking at me in the window. Something told me it doesn't seem right to leave. But I said to myself it will be ok I will only be gone for a few mins. (Famous last words.)

When you have a one-year-old dog it doesn't look for trouble it creates trouble. One of many fine-dug holes in the backyard.

R.I.P. to my hot tub this year. Tried to keep this classic hot tub running and it did not help that Jett the Rock Dog ate the side panels.

This one baffles me how and why Jett the Rock Dog would bite the wall in the bathroom?

Jett the Rock Dog did not like the taste of a hot dryer hose but the bite tells the story.

Lesson learned, never leave your records unattended. Jett the Rock Dog still has great taste in music.

Now in the on-deck circle is Jett The Rock Dog cutting or should I say biting corners off the backyard deck.

Dog owners all agree they need to invent a indestructible chew toy for dogs. So far nothing is a match for even a few mins with Jett The Rock Dog.

Did you rescue your furry friend? Share a picture in the comments!