The gift that keeps on giving: puppies and kittens
[NOTE: I meant to put this up right before Christmas, but it slipped my mind.]
A while back I spent several smiling hours on YouTube watching the reactions of people receiving a puppy or kitten as a gift. The thing that struck me is that their reactions are so very similar—as you can see. You’ll need a tolerance for high-pitched squealing, though—and I’m not talking about the sound the puppies are making:
I think a puppy or kitten is a risky gift. But my guess is that most of these people were already on record as wanting a pet.
And this video, featuring children as the recipients, might be even better:
Kittens, puppies and little children are always cute. Unfortunately they turn into cats, dogs and teenagers.
That is so so wonderful it moves even a starving curmudgeon like myself.
HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!!
As an old dog guy, having trained some successful bird dogs I have to add my two cents worth.
The optimum time to bring a new puppy into your home is 7 weeks when the puppy is ready to be weaned and become part of a new pack, this time people. The pup is in a critical transition and all of the screaming and yelling will scare the crap out of when calm is called and confidence and trust need to be built in the relationship. Lots of love and patience will go a long way in those first few days helping the puppy settle in.
The next bit of old man wisdom I would pass along is to have every member of the household on board and in agreement to the responsibility of having a dog or cat. Dogs understand calm clear directions and they love to please.
As for cats, it has been years since I have had one but they also do well with respect and kindness and screaming and yelling which is a normal kid response opening up a gift box creates anxiety which might last a long time.
It is a big responsibility owning animals and care should be taken choosing the breed, some require most space and activity than others in the case of dogs. And with cats there most likely will be some furniture damage along the way so provision for scratching posts and clean litter boxes needs to be anticipated and carried though.
Having said all this stuff I really like my old Britany, she stays close to my side day and night, sleeps in her bed beside us. She like to go for rides and over eight years old still loves to run and work a field looking for birds. If having a dog fits a person’s life style it’s a nice choice to make.
By the way, rescue dogs can become great family members too but they require patience and love during the time, which will vary, it takes for the dog to know it has come home and belongs. My son is called the ‘dog whisperer’ because he has taken in a number of large dogs for their final homes where they feel secure, relax and have a lot of fun with the family.
I agree with everyone, but especially Ray. 😉
One of my friends Rescued 3 large beautiful Afghan hounds; unfortunately, she lived in an apartment, which isn’t the best habitat for that large a brood.
My in-laws got an older cat in their late 80s (trading in a kitten who was much too hyperactive for their lifestyle) who has been a great companion for them.
However, as Neo said, “I think a puppy or kitten is a risky gift. But my guess is that most of these people were already on record as wanting a pet.”
Our children have been informed that the first one to bring Mom & Dad a Kitty or a Puppy will be stricken from the Will.
For those who do want to adopt, remember: dogs have family; cats have staff.
And I never get tired of this one. It’s available on both dog and cat lover sites, so it must be true!
https://www.dfordog.co.uk/blog/funny-dog-vs-cat-diary.html
Nope, Neo, I’m not falling for this “click bait”. After I click to play these videos my entire YouTube suggestions fill up with cute puppies and kittens videos.
If I play a video of some Left-wing idiot the same thing happens – my YouTube suggestions are filled with left-wing stuff.
Interestingly, if I play a video from someone on the right, my YouTube suggestions are still cute puppies and kittens – it is as if YouTube never noticed that I played a to-the-right political video.
Oh, what the heck, it being Christmas and all, I did finally click on them – and, yea, I should have listened to you. That “screeching” was a bit much; but, glad that they enjoyed their gifts. Thanks for sharing!
I stand with my fellow dog lovers in thanking you for linking to these lovely videos. Warmed my heart.
This current Pope has declared that he believes that dogs have souls and may therefore enter Heaven.
I hope that is right since I have known the love of several dogs in my life and have loved them right back – as they deserved. They only ask to love us.
Surely His Holiness is right as a creature able to love must have a soul.
Pingback:Something Super Wonderful: (Very Young and Very Old) Kids' Reactions To Kitten And Puppy Surprise On Christmas - American Digest
Pingback:Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup » Pirate's Cove
I feel a bit like an old curmudgeon watching this, if someone gave me a puppy my reaction would probably be something like – you expect me to take care of that thing for the next 15 years? I don’t think so.
But the videos were quite nice….
Patrick:
I feel a bit like an old curmudgeon watching this, if someone gave me a puppy my reaction would probably be something like — you expect me to take care of that thing for the next 15 years? I don’t think so.
I walked a neighbor’s dogs for five years, until she moved several months ago. I needed the exercise, and I liked the dogs, so it was a win-win. One time my neighbor’s adult daughter asked me why I didn’t get my own dog, as it was obvious I liked dogs. My reply was that with the dogs, I was in a grandparent-like situation. I could enjoy my hour a day with the dogs, but when it came to feeding them and taking them to the vet, I didn’t have to bother. I had the fun of dogs without the responsibility.
Hubby & I will be doing the by car trek to Fla. From NH with our trusty calico. She loves the view from the dashboard, lying on a secured towel for traction, & her head is on a swivel in the rest areas lots to see. She comes along as family, never requiring staffing demands. Back seat foot well holds leak proof litter box. & away we go.