During this joyous season, many couples are probably thinking about gifts to give to their loved ones that are precious and bring joy. If the gift is something they want to keep, they can keep it, or if they don't like it, they can give it to someone else. But what if the gift is a living thing?
Over the years, many animals given as gifts have become abandoned, a chronic problem. Many people view pets as a token of affection in relationships, but after a breakup, they shun who will take care of them. Ultimately, the animal that did nothing wrong is the one who suffers. So, if you're thinking of giving a pet to a loved one or acquaintance, read our advice before giving.
1. Make sure the person you are adopting really wants to raise an animal.
Before giving a pet as a gift, first of all, we must be sure that the recipient really wants to have an animal. If you're still not sure, definitely don't give an animal as a gift! Many guys, especially young men, like to buy dogs as gifts for their girlfriends because they think they're cute or because the woman says she wants to raise one. Let me emphasize that if the other person doesn't really love animals, then you shouldn't give an animal as a gift.
2. Consider the life and environment of the recipient.
Even if you're sure the recipient truly loves animals and really wants to raise them, you should also consider their living environment. For example, people whose jobs require constant travel or who are rarely home or have no one to help care for them shouldn't give animals as gifts. They may not have much time to spend with their pets, and they'll have to take them to different places for work when they need to. Or if the other person's place of residence has a rule against keeping pets, you shouldn't give animals as gifts. Most importantly, you need to consider whether the other person can cover the costs of caring for the pet, from food and care to medical services if the pet gets sick. Taking care of an animal always costs money.
3. Consider the age of the recipient to determine if it is appropriate.
If the person you're giving a pet to has a suitable lifestyle and environment, you'll also need to consider the recipient's age. If they're still young, you'll need to talk to their parents first to determine if they're okay with it. If they're not okay with it, giving an animal as a gift could cause problems later on. Alternatively, if the recipient is elderly, you'll need to consider their health to determine if they're healthy enough. A good intention to provide a companion to ease their loneliness could lead to unnecessary stress and distress.
4. Choose an animal that is suitable for the owner.
In addition to these factors, the recipient's preferences are equally important. Some people prefer large animals because they can be held in their arms, while others prefer smaller animals that they can carry around. Therefore, if you're giving an animal as a gift, ask the recipient what kind of animal they'd like, its breed, and whether it's male or female. This allows the recipient to decide whether they're ready to care for it. Each animal has different behaviors and personalities. For example, if the gifted dog is a Golden Retriever, it needs a place to run and exercise.
Raising an animal is a responsibility towards the life you've been given. We encourage everyone to think carefully before giving a pet as a gift. They're living creatures with feelings, just like humans, and aren't something you can discard at any time. And if you're sure you really want to raise one, don't forget to treat them with love and care.
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References
Dr. Oraya Prapanpoj (Dr. Nun), Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery and Department of Cardiology, Talingchan Animal Hospital
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