Here’s why ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas®’

by Sophie Andrews

Created over 40 years ago by Clarissa Baldwin - the chief executive of, at the time, the ‘National Canine Defence League’ - the now iconic slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas®’ was recently intertwined back into the media’s limelight in 2018, through ‘the Dogs Trust’s’ revamped advertisement, highlighting the fundamental importance of the Christmas campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiFFzFSKIxk

Making the decision to adopt an animal of any sorts is a huge decision, and something that should be meticulously thought-through, with all pros and cons considered. It is particularly important when adopting a dog, as although you may have many canine companions in your lifetime, you will be the only family they will ever know, unless you make the same heart-breaking mistake as many others do each year during this festive season. Taking in a dog of any age, whether puppy or elderly requires a colossal emotional investment from a potential owner, due to their inherently social nature and habits.

Dogs that are frequently neglected, mistreated or not given that appropriate care ultimately develop mental health issues, unfortunately including depression, therefore it is crucial for an owner to understand the conditions needed to provide a dog with a happy and beyond satisfactory life before even considering adopting, such as frequently provided your dogs with walks, dependent of their breeds’ requirements. For this reason, deciding to surprise a friend or family member with a shiny-new puppy, without them properly understanding a canine’s nature is one of the primary factors that results in thousands of puppies per year being abandoned.

Furthermore, there is a vast amount of financial aspects of adoption that must be taken into account, including the frequent updating of examples such as: Food, veterinary bills, toys, practical supplies and potential emergency care. Much like humans, dogs need consistent health checks, requiring a long-term financial responsibility from the owners and a dedication to ensuring they can provide this money-centered care.

Christmas itself can be a really overwhelming season for dogs, it may be full of things we consider festive, bright and colourful, yet this is a puppy’s worst nightmare. Much like babies, puppies are easily distracted, which in some cases, can cause anxiety, which, in itself, again requires care and support. Not to mention, the stereotypical freezing British winter, do you really want to be walking your dog outside in the harsh sub zero climate we face each year? Ultimately, it would benefit a pet substantially more to consider adopting in warmer seasons such as summer or spring, to maximise the frequency of walks your dog can have and their overall happiness.

Along with these factors, it should be considered the social situation of a potential new home, such as the presence of children or other pets, research is important regarding the behaviours and specific interactions of certain breeds.

I have mentioned only a few of the crucial reasons why dogs and puppies should not be adopted this Christmas season, only if a new owner feels they have properly considered all factors into this life-changing decision, however if this is the case, why not adopt today? Or any other day for that matter?. Unlike most presents, animals should be cherished everyday, so the joys of owning a dog can truly last a lifetime.