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The Eagle Lake Headlight — Thursday, November 20, 2008 2008 Gift Guide, Section B, Page 5 Pets Not Always The Best Christmas Gift Idea The scene of a wide-eyed puppy 1. Between the ages of 7 and puppy or kitten is relegated to "gift" But who will be caring for him by at least 25 percent; preliminary emerging from a brightly colored 12 weeks, the time when most status, he or she might also fail to or her several years down the line? statistics indicate a similar trend gift box cleverly placed under the puppies and kittens are allowed to enthrall a child once the realization Will your eight-year-old be available following the release of the sequel, tree on Christmas morning to the leave their litter and be adopted or of responsibility sets in. to play fetch when the dog is 12 and "102 Dalmatians." joy of the children nestled around purchased, is an important time of 3. Which brings to mind the next your "child" is now 20? This dalmation statistic indicates is an image ingrained in advertise- development. point... responsibility. An animal is 4. According to statistics kept by that pet purchases or adoptions ments and art during the holiday At this stage an animal learns not a toy that can be shut off at the the Humane Society of the United should not be made impulsively season. fear and avoidance, and can be end of play. It has very real needs States, the majority of puppies and based on trends or with heightened After all, the innocence and joy a traumatized if the conditions aren't that must be met kittens born in the United States emotion during the holiday season, pet provides seems perfectly in tune calm and quiet when being intro- Many gift-givers fail to consider never reach their second birthdays, but rather when careful consider- with the sentiments expressed dur- duced to a new family. whether the gift recipient is finan- even though their natural lifespans ation has been given to welcoming ing this time of giving and sharing. The chaos of Christmas morn- cially capable or mentally ready should be many times that length. a pet into the family. But pet experts say that giving a ing, replete with flashing cameras, to care for a pet which can take a They die from being hit by cars, In fact most reputable breeders pet, primarily a puppy or kitten, as cheers and hordes of people, defi- considerable amount of time and euthanized by owners, starving tied who care about the animals they a Christmas present is not in the nitely isn't the right environment effort. up in the yard or being fatally in- raise will not send a pet home with best interest of the animal. What for welcoming a pet, and could Dogs, particularly, require daily jured in fights with other animals. a person for Christmas morning. happens after the new owner finds cause lasting anxiety issues not walks and lots of exercise. Cats may Many run away or are taken to 5. If you have your heart set on a mess made on the carpet? easily remedied by training. require a little less care, but need shelters, pounds or vets, where they getting a pet for the family, wrap up Did anyone consider that a pet 2. What happens to holiday gifts attention nonetheless. are "put to sleep," usually before a leash, feeding bowls and a book can live in upwards of 15 years for come February or March, when the Cats can live from 12 to 15 years. the age of two. on choosing the right pet under some breeds? There are many fac- lights and tree are a distant mem- Many dog breeds have an average Veterinarians are very familiar the tree. tors that play into the consensus ory? Many kids lose interest in the lifespan of 10 years. In the heat of with adoptions and gifts gone bad. Once the recipient opens the that it's probably smart to skip the latest and greatest toys opened, and the moment a pet may seem like This reality is often the result of a gifts, he or she will realize your in- pet as present this year. most are stored away, forgotten. If a the ideal gift. pet owner not comprehending the tentions. Then, together, the entire responsibility involved in owning a family can decide if it's the right pet. Consider this fact from the Hu- time for a pet and choose a loveable mane Society of the United States: companion that will be the right fit Within six months of the release of for all or choose to make a donation Disney Studio's "101 Dalmatians," to a local shelter to provide care for relinquishment of these dogs to an animal while not taking it into animal shelters and Dalmatian your home. rescue organizations had increased CMXO<X><X><X>00000<XX)OCOCK>C><>OOOOCOOOOOOO Heavenly Helper** Christian Store 979-543-2850 Bibles • Gifts • Books • Jewelry • Music Religious Articles • Christian Supplies 1406-B N. Mechanic El Campo.TX 77437 Jeanie Janak, owner M-F: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Make Your Christmas Tree Safe What would Christmas be with- ministration, a department of the fire in your home, play it safe with out the family gathered around the Federal Emergency Management your tree: tree to open presents? Agency (FEMA), Christmas trees * Keep the pine tree stand filled Christmas trees are a symbol account for more than 400 fires an- with water, daily. JEW mmtli of the holiday and a major focus of nually, resulting in deaths, injuries * Inspect electrical lines for seasonal decorating. and millions of dollars in home shorts or frayed wiring. Not only do they fill your house damage. * Do not use lit candles on your with an inviting pine scent, Christ- Typically these fires are started tree - you're asking for trouble. fioliftajj $pmfe at mas trees act as a focal and gather- by shorts in the electrical system * Keep open flames, cigarettes ing point for the family. of tree lights, candle flames, or and other fire-inducing objects When you purchase your Christ- matches and lighters ignited near away from the tree. mas tree from a vendor or cut your tree limbs. * Place your tree away from The Liquor Barn own, heed the important advice to Well-watered trees can fend off radiators, heaters or fireplaces so 300 Boothe Drive • Eagle Lake keep it well watered. a fire. Dry, neglected trees have the it won't dry out as quickly or catch This will help maintain its fresh propensity to go up like a torch. It fire. 979-234-5661 fragrance and deep color through takes only seconds for a tree fire to * If your tree already shows the holiday, as well as prevent it spread to uncontrollable levels. signs of dryness, remove it from from becoming a fire hazard. To prevent the possibility of your house. Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. *| According to the U.S. Fire Ad- .

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