Another look at pets as gifts

If you want to gift a pet, follow sensible guidelines

Hanukkah arrived at sundown last night, and Christmas and Kwanzaa will be here soon enough. Your kid/bestie/significant other has a pet on their gift list. What to do?

Some of us in the pet community, me included, cringe like a dog at the vet’s at the idea of pets as gifts. Resident animals are family members, not things to be discovered under the tree or or presented at a candle-lighting ceremony.

“I am not a toy. I am not a Christmas present. I am not disposable once the holidays are over. I am a 15 to 20 year commitment. I am family,” reads a meme I saw on the internet. Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, though, gave me some kibble for thought when she said that giving pets as a gifts to someone who wants them presents opportunities for adoption.

“A puppy and kitten are staples on children’s holiday wish lists each year,” Castle said. “As an animal welfare organization, we encourage families to open their hearts and homes during the holidays, but also hope they choose to do so by adopting and not buying a homeless pet.”

Castle cited research indicating that pets given as gifts aren’t relinquished at higher rates. Furthermore, she added, it can help the nationwide shelter-overcrowding crisis.

“Getting pets out of shelters and into loving homes at any time of the year is something we want and need community members across the country to do,” Castle said. “The main point I do want to drill home is that it’s essential that people understand that where they get the pet from can either help or hurt efforts to end the killing of pets in shelters.”

Castle stressed the importance of adopting from shelters or rescue groups and not buying a pet online or from a breeder — and I’d add, an unlicensed backyard breeder.

“Adopting diverts money away from the inhumane puppy mill industry that churns out millions of puppies annually for sales through pet stores and online retailers,” she said.

If you want to gift a pet, follow sensible guidelines. Castle said to research the type of pet that your loved one wants to adopt. Will shedding orange fur on a dark sofa make a cat unwelcome? Is the person willing to walk a dog every day. How about rabbit-proofing the home? Are they aware of the necessity of vaccinations, and will they respond to any medical needs. Best Friends has a good list of tips on their website.

And for dog’s sake, don’t make the gift a surprise! Pets aren’t proverbial fruitcakes or candles that will wind up regifted.

Humans and pets need to bond with each other on their own terms. If a pet is on your shopping list, don’t shop. Instead, team up to adopt. Below you’ll find a gift certificate. Print that and fill it out, present it to the lucky human, and then go with them to shelters or rescues until they find their soulmate (see the link to a listing of animal rescue sites at the end of the column). Then, pay the adoption fee and maybe shop for a few toys, treats, litter boxes, food and what all.

We’re as much gifts to unwanted animals as they are to us. Happy holidays.

Speaking of gifts, the Long Beach Post and its sibling pubs are now a nonprofit, meaning that we’re there to serve our community (you!). If you want to make a gift to support the Long Beach Journalism Initiative, read all about it here.

As an added bonus to our pet community, a portion of the funds specifically from subscription to the Scratching Post newsletter will go to Long Beach’s venerable Friends of Long Beach Animals.

Pets to adopt or foster

The Little Lion Foundation is one of many rescues where you can use your new gift certificate. You can meet a few Little Lions at the Whiskers in Wonderland event (see Pet events and announcements). To see more cats and adopt any of them, access this link for an adoption application.

Meet Tyler, the epitome of resilience and affection! Despite spending his entire life outdoors, he’s transformed into a true people-cat. Tyler has been through severe mouth ulcers and a broken leg, leading to a full extraction of teeth and a leg amputation. Yet this remarkable feline remains undeterred, eagerly greeting you at the door with love. Tyler has a playful spirit—he enjoys toys and playtime, even if he occasionally needs a helping hand. He’s the perfect addition to a warm and caring home.

Introducing the delightful Marlee, another resilient feline in search of a loving, forever home! Marlee was found roaming the street at a tender age, and the volunteers quickly learned that she was completely deaf. She may lack a sense of hearing but not a vibrant personality, which shines in her playful morning zoomies and enthusiastic breakfast announcements. Marlee’s affectionate and interactive nature makes her an ideal companion for a family with a structured routine. It’s important to note that Marlee thrives best as the sole furry friend, as she’s not fond of other cats or dogs.

Hola, meet Leche. She and her cow-themed siblings were rescued at just 2 days old. Leche was diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia at a young age, but it only causes a slight wobble and doesn’t limit her. At 2 months old, though, cataracts and glaucoma led to enucleation surgery to remove both eyes. But boy, did she adapt! Leche navigates the house, climbs furniture and plays soccer with crinkle balls. She’s good with other cats, but her favorite person to snuggle with is her foster mom. She’ll thrive with a routine of predictability and nightly cuddles.

Pet events and announcements

As the holidays draw closer, there are plenty of ways to show the animals — those with and without homes — a merry good time. Below you’ll find volunteer opportunities, adoption events and more ways to give back.

Haute Dogs Santa Paws collection

Something for the animals who probably don’t know that it’s Christmas, but because we do, they’d be so happy to receive gifts, and it will feel so good to know that they’re getting a Christmas, too. Individuals, organizations, businesses, classrooms, scout troops and any group or person can collect items and take them directly to their favorite shelter or rescue any time they are open, sometime before Christmas. Food, toys and treats made in the U.S. as well as cleaning supplies will be appreciated. Access this link to set up a collection box and download posters.

Seal Beach Animal Care Center Holiday Boutique and Bake Sale

Stock up on holiday gifts and goodies and help fund this all-volunteer shelter at the same time. Take home some good stuff and maybe, just maybe, an adoptable pet. That’ll be a gift for human and animal both.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Seal Beach Animal Care Center, 1700 Adolfo Lopez Dr., Seal Beach, free to attend, various prices for items

Little Lion Foundation’s Whiskers in Wonderland and online auction

Deck the paws with auction goodies and the benefits that the kittens and cats at The Little Lion Foundation will get from the bids for them. Little Lion’s twinkly holiday festival and fundraiser for the kittens under the rescue’s care will feature hors d’oeuvres and drinks, Duffy boat rides, audiences with the kittens themselves, and a bounty of glorious auction prizes to bid on. Every penny helps the cats in the rescue. Items can be picked up at the event or scheduled at the Little Lion Foundation headquarters afterward. Purchase tickets (hurry, they’re running low) and boat rides here, and post your bids on the auction here.

Sunday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Boathouse on the Bay, 190 North Marina Dr., Long Beach, event $65, Duffy boat ride $25.

To see a list of local animal rescue groups, click here.