Unwittingly, a devastating video exemplifies the expression “dogs are for life, not just Christmas,” as one shelter revealed it was already getting unwanted puppy presents.
@KhanTheeDane posted a TikTok video of a woman embracing a month-old dog with the caption, “We’re already getting unwelcome Christmas presents.”
The caption cautioned against gifting animals to individuals who are unprepared for the reality of pet ownership.
Animals require a long-term commitment, and pet food and doctor expenses may easily cost thousands of dollars.
Winnie the dog was featured in a devastating TikTok video. A shelter has reported that it is already receiving unwelcome Christmas gifts of animals.
Aside from money, owners must invest a significant amount of time with their dogs, training, socializing, or training them. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), around 6.3 million animals visit animal shelters in the United States each year.
“Please be responsible,” says the caption of the video. “Do not provide pets to anyone who have not requested them or researched how to care for them. At 1mo, this bean ended up in the shelter.”
The woman disclosed she worked at The Anti-Cruelty Shelter in Chicago in the comments and offered further details about the cute puppy.
According to Rachel Klousnitzer, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at The Anti-Cruelty Shelter, the puppy is called Winnie and is too young to be adopted at this time.
“We advise the public not to send an animal gift without first discussing it with the receiver,” she added. Giving an animal as a surprise is a long-term commitment for which all parties should be prepared and educated.
“National shelters will see animals given up after the holiday season because well-intentioned donors don’t realize how much time and care an animal needs. We invite people of the community to visit our shelter and speak with our trained staff about our animals and what they involve before adopting.”
“I would also want to point out that Winnie was not adopted from ACS,” Klousnitzer continued. While we provide guidance and services to help pet owners keep their dogs with their families, including door-to-door adoptions, this is an unique instance, and we are grateful she was brought to us so we can find her a forever family.”
As of Thursday, the TikTok video has been seen over 950,000 times.
“Weirdly, the owners indicated it was a golden/lab/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix,” @khantheedane said. I’m seeing a lot of gold.”
“She needs to go to a foster home first, too young to adopt,” she said of the puppy’s fate.
@khantheedane has been contacted for comment by Newsweek.
According to the ASPCA, “Americans have a long history of giving pets — mainly puppies or kittens — as gifts for important occasions such as birthdays, holidays, or graduations, but there is controversy regarding how this practice impacts the animal’s well-being.”
“The ASPCA suggests giving pets as presents only to persons who have showed a sustained desire in keeping an animal. and the capacity to care for it appropriately,” they add.
“The recipient’s schedule should also be free enough to give the required time for a comfortable transfer home. This is especially true during the holidays and other busy periods.”
The Anti-Cruelty Society is now promoting a “Home for the Howlidays” promotion in which all of their dogs’ adoption costs are waived.
It ran from November through December 31 “so that every shelter animal starts 2023 in a loving home”.
“Dogs, cats, and don’t forget the little animals – consider adopting this holiday season!” an Instagram post states.
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“The initiative to remove the adoption fee was very successful,” Klousnitzer told Newsweek, “and hundreds of animals found their permanent homes this holiday season.”
According to the ASPCA, prospective pet owners should buy animals through “animal shelters, rescue groups, friends, family, or responsible breeders,” rather than from unknown sources.
The comments portion of the video showcasing the unloved dog was inundated with individuals offering to adopt him.
“WHAT?!?!?” wrote Tawny808 NO! I wish I was closer; I’d look after you. Of course, I’d fail as a foster parent.”
“Where is this puppy?” Robbie inquired. I’ll be there the next day.”
Dexterdaisy1972 is enraged: “OMG! “Please stop sending puppies and kittens as Christmas presents!”
“I don’t think they should allow adoptions over the Christmas season for that reason,” Tx mrsg reasoned.
“This is why I won’t be giving pups as gifts or having litters for Christmas,” stated Remiem Retrievers. What a tragedy…”
“I’ll never understand how people can be so irresponsible and heartless,” Copper Boom continued.
@khantheedane Please be responsible. Don’t give out pets as gifts to someone who didn’t ask for one or done research on how to care for it. This bean ended up on the shelter at 1mo💔🥹#christmaspuppy #shopresponsibly #dc #dogcommunity #shelterdog #adoptme ♬ Iris – Natalie Taylor
