I just posted this on IndyMoms and thought I'd post it here as well. I know most of you would agree with my opinion. Feel free to copy this and send it to any friend or family member who may consider a pet as a gift.
Getting a puppy or dog as a gift can be the best gift in the world if the situation is right, but if it is done on a whim without the recipients consent or participation in selecting the animal it can be a nightmare. Never surprise anyone with giving a pet as a gift. As one should never presumed that they can pick out a pet for someone else. First the recipient must really want a pet and be committed to being responsible for a pet for its entire lifetime. The recipient also needs to be the one to do breed selection and they should have already done their homework on the bred and have an understanding the breed's temperament, potential size and any special care/grooming requirements. Last but not least is the personality of the animal should be matched to the recipient and the recipient's life style. Therefore the recipients needs to be the one to meet and pick it out the dog (in cases where recipients are unable to go to pick out the pet, such as invalids, then the primary care giver of the pet should be involved in the picking out the pet).
Getting a pet is a life long commitment, a dog will normally live 12-14 years and is a major responsibility that should not be taken lightly. If the pet is joining a family it is important that all members pf the family is receptive to getting a dog. Dogs require care, love, and a certain amount of financial responsibility.
If you are still bent on surprising someone, how about give them a handwritten "gift certificate" that says something like "This entitles you to a dog of your choice". That way if they don't like the idea, nothing lost and you can both take a trip to Macy's and get something they really want. But if they really want a dog and are ready to make the commitment, then fine you both can go pick one out.
Remember that the pets from pet stores come from puppy and kitty mills. These animals are sickly, over breed and are kept in horrible conditions. More info about puppy and kitty mills.
http://www.stoppuppymills.org/
http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/get_the_facts_on_puppy_mills/
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_puppymills
Giving a pet without the consent of the recipient or on a holiday gift giving whim can be devastating for the animal, read the adoption ads in the newspaper sometime in January/February the shelters are full of the aftermath of holiday pet giving. Summing it all up... a pet gift should only be given when the recipient is willing to make the commitment, has done their homework on the breed selection and is allowed to pick out the pet themselves. Remember the only acceptable pet to give as a surprise gift is a chocolate bunny!! Thanks, I am stepping off of the soapbox for now.
For more information about why pets don't make good gifts.
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/xmasrush.htm
http://www.checchibooks.com/bigapple.html
http://www.petrescue.com/library/no-pups.htm
http://cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/lexi/cmgifts.htm
http://www.dfwdachshund.com/rescue/shoppe.shtml
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/the_best_gift_you_can_give_waiting_t
