Can't believe all the Craigslist ads for Christmas pups:(

yep I hear ya! I've fielded my share of puppy for Xmas inquiries on my end. Of course I set myself up for that...LOL.

Sunshinegirl

I'm with you on this..... I too am dismayed by the number of people seeking Christmas puppies as a surprise. If you post something trying to educate people about the things they should consider before doing so, you get flagged. It's so frustrating and sad. I continue to look on Craigslist and it just bums me out, I don't know why I keep going back...........

Yup, yesterday someone did post a thing about how puppies are a big commitment and how they grow and aren't so cute anymore.  All those types of posts get flagged.   I thought about contacting the people directly who are making the posts about wanting a puppy, but I know I'll just get a negative reply and there isn't a point. People will do what they want to do.

I also don't know why I keep looking at CL.  I think I need to stop for the next few months (although I know I won't).

Hopefully, even if they do contact breeders, most won't adopt out to a family unless they are sure of their commitment level, at the same time not all breeders are in it for the right reasons and will give a puppy to anyone who can pay.

 yuk.

I heard somewhere else that the rate of dogs being euthanized increases during the holidays!?! they made it sound like people didn't know what to do with their dogs while they travel or whatever during the holidays.

I really hope thats not true

Boy I hope that's not true akryamoto.  If it is I bet it could also be due to lack of funds for emergency care at the holiday times, so people euthanize instead of paying expensive bills.

Sadly, I work at PetSmart and I remember exactly how frustrating the holidays last year were for me. Everywhere I turned I had to explain to someone *why* we don't sell puppies, and why a puppy isn't an acceptable Christmas gift.

 Oh, and no, if you buy your daughter a guinea pig for Christmas you can't return it if she doesn't like it.

 I see enough idiocy on a day to day basis. I don't need to look for more on CL.

Poseidon

Oh, and no, if you buy your daughter a guinea pig for Christmas you can't return it if she doesn't like it.

I can't stand stupid people....I'd be so frustrated I think I'd explode!

akyramoto82

I heard somewhere else that the rate of dogs being euthanized increases during the holidays!?! they made it sound like people didn't know what to do with their dogs while they travel or whatever during the holidays.

I believe it, sadly..... Last Christmas I saw a couple of ads on CL posted by people "needing" to "rehome" their pet because they were going on vacation and needed the extra money!!!!!! Un-fing-believable!!! Trust me, I responded to those ads and my responses were not of a friendly nature. I cannot imagine getting rid of my pets to go on vacation! UGH!

Oh, and I did post on out local CL about "Christmas Gifts" and some things to consider and reasons why not to "surprise" someone with a pet for a gift. That was several hours ago and it's still there, we'll see how long it lasts.........

Poseidon

Sadly, I work at PetSmart and I remember exactly how frustrating the holidays last year were for me. Everywhere I turned I had to explain to someone *why* we don't sell puppies, and why a puppy isn't an acceptable Christmas gift.

 Oh, and no, if you buy your daughter a guinea pig for Christmas you can't return it if she doesn't like it.

 I see enough idiocy on a day to day basis. I don't need to look for more on CL.

I used to work for Petsmart back in the day - very frustrating indeed. I used to recommend to customer "new dog baskets" - everything but the dog so all members of the family can be prepared and the dog can come after the holidays.  I got a few customers really into the idea - plus I told them the stats for local shelters how crowded they would be soon after the holidays - and how easy it may be to find a young dog to adopt in the shelter after the holidays.  

Back to Craigslist - I browse the ads (I look for people looking for puppy playmates for meetups) but I do on occasion respond to emails for people wanting Xmas puppies or I don't have much money for a dog but I really want one.  Usually for the latter people I whip out the grand total (NOT including Ari's cost from the breeder ro any "extras" like her microchipping) of her vet bills.  Letting them know that sometimes you end up with a dog that is completely indiscriminatory of what they'll eat, we'll have digestive issues, hurt her eye on a walk, etc etc.  I ask them to please consider that when factoring in the cost of a dog.   Mostly I get nasty email back, but if one person considers what I said it's worth it.