Every year, thousands and thousands of letters are written and sent in our country, bound for the East. In many of them, the words "dog" and "cat" appear, as the most desired gift, the highest aspiration. Something that has been long awaited and can only come true with the help of the Three Wise Men.
Although ARISTOPETS are the best company in the world and a gift for our lives... the truth is that we should not literally turn them into gifts. We should not include them in a list, along with inanimate gifts, that is, with things. Because they are not things.
Therefore, you have to think very carefully and reflect before giving an ARISTOPET as a gift. Because they cannot be returned or exchanged. They are not ours for a little while, but "forever". And it's not enough to have them. We must love them, respect them, and give them the quality of life they deserve and need. Which implies time and resources.
In 2016, more than 137,000 dogs and cats were abandoned in our country. And 2017 ends with similar figures. Figures that continue to be a national disgrace and constitute the main welfare problem for ARISTOPETS in Spain. That is why we are obliged to ask everyone for responsibility and common sense at this time of year. This number cannot increase. It has to decrease. And one way to improve this aspect is to understand that dogs and cats are not things that can be put in boxes wrapped in pretty gift paper... Although unfortunately, many still think the opposite.
In fact, according to data from the "Analysis and characterization of the companion animal sector" from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, published in 2015, the main way to acquire dogs is as a gift, in 53% of cases. And generally (31.4% of cases), this acquisition is made through purchase. Either in a store (13.2%) or from a breeder (10%). Purchase from individuals occurs in 8.2% of cases. Adoption, when it comes to gifting, is a much less considered option.
In the case of cats, the main form of acquisition is also as a gift. Although more often than being bought, cats are usually adopted or found casually on the street. (35.2% and 31.8% respectively).
That is, in Spain, we still think that an ARISTOPET can be given as a gift just like an expensive handbag, a tablet, or a trip. It is clear that for the recipient, a dog or a cat is the best gift, the surprise that all children want and that those of us who are no longer children also sometimes wish for, a dream come true... For the giver, it is an unsurpassed sign of generosity, a memorable act, a way to make others happy. But what about the gifted dog? And the cat?
If someone has asked for an ARISTODOG or an ARISTOCAT in their letter to the Three Wise Men, we invite you to reflect on who you are going to give it to:
If you give an ARISTOPET to a child...
You must be aware that children are not self-sufficient. Giving a dog to your 5-year-old nephew implies that the child's parents will take care of the dog. Not only financially, but also regarding its daily needs. Are you sure they are willing to care for and respect it for its entire life? Can they afford to keep it? Do they have enough space in their home? Do they have time? And desire? It is best to clarify all these points with the indirectly involved people.
If that child is your son or daughter, you must ask yourself those same questions. And answer them honestly. Are you willing to commit to your child's pet as if it were your own? Are you willing to educate your child in responsible pet ownership and love for their pet? Are you willing to care for it until your child can do so 100%? Have you had experience with dogs or cats before...?
If you give an ARISTOPET to an adult...
Is it a wish... or a surprise? What is the real reason that person wants an ARISTOPET? Is it a committed, responsible, and trustworthy person? Does that person want a dog or cat of a specific breed? Or, on the contrary, do they not care about the breed, color, size... they just want a best friend, whatever it may be? Have they had or do they currently have ARISTOPETS?
Undoubtedly, there are many questions to answer and reflect on before giving an ARISTOPET as a gift, so we encourage you to think about it calmly, weighing the pros and cons... Think it through and you will surely make the right decision.
We insist that what we love most in the world are pets. They complete us, make us happy and better people. But precisely because of this, we are concerned about the well-being of all of them. We do not want these holidays to become the beginning of a nightmare for any dog or cat in the world. Therefore, let's think carefully before bringing them into our lives or the lives of others.
We must also bear in mind that there are many abandoned animals waiting for a new home and affection. Do you want to know which shelters we collaborate with? Here we tell you about them.
