SUPER MU The Gift That Keeps on Taking CONSIDER THIS BEFORE GIFTING A PET A Word fro
Hello, everyone!
It’s a stereotypical picture of love and joy: A child opens their presents on Christmas morning only to be disappointed they didn’t get what they wanted. Suddenly, Dad brings out one more box, and a little whimper escapes the cardboard. The child’s face lights up! Their dream has come true. Inside the box, of course, is a new furry best friend. While many holiday films lean into this magical bond between people and animals, the reality of pet care isn’t so romantic. Adopting a pet comes with serious responsibility, and statistics show a staggering number of families return these pets after reality sets in. According to RSPCA, three pets are abandoned every hour during the holiday season. If you do decide you’re ready for a pet, recognize you will be financially responsible for it over the course of its entire life, which can be up to 14-plus years depending on the type. Are you equipped to handle routine veterinary costs in addition to food, supplies, and the occasional toy or treat? Do you have a plan in place for when you go on vacation or in the event of an emergency? If not, it’s best to plan those things sooner rather than later. In addition to the financial responsibility of pet ownership, some pets require regular exercise, special diets, and even social interaction. So, if your family is always on the go, consider a low-maintenance pet fish instead. Your children can help feed the fish and clean its tank, giving them the fun of pet ownership without the hassle. Keep in mind that different fish have different needs, so do some research before making the commitment. If pet ownership is not viable right now, you can interact with animals outside the home in plenty of ways. Volunteer at an animal shelter, enroll in horseback riding lessons at a local stable, or buy season tickets to the zoo. Pets can bring immense joy to your life when you’re prepared but immense stress and hardship when you’re not. Make the right choice to prevent your pet from becoming another sad statistic.
I’m Ryleigh, and my human is Anna Johnson, the receptionist at The Animal Clinic of Kalispell. Anna gets to meet every human and every pet who comes into the clinic. This sounds like the best job ever to me, because I love meeting people. When we go for walks around town, I want to stop and greet every person we encounter. When we meet new people, they often ask Anna what kind of dog I am. We really don’t have an answer. Anna got me a DNA test and we found out that I’m part mastiff, part Australian shepherd, part German shepherd, and part pitbull. That makes me Super Mutt! I really try to live up to my “breed.” When Anna’s having a rough day, my most important job is to help her feel better again. I’ll put my head on her leg or, if it’s a real emergency, burrow my way into her arms. Sometimes, we all need someone to help boost our self- confidence a little. I’m glad I can be that someone for Anna. I’ve been with Anna for about a year, since I was just eight weeks old. In that time, I know we’ve both grown a lot together.
Gingerbread Dogs
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer! Share some cheer with your four-legged friends with these special holiday dog treats.
Ingredients
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1 cup molasses 4 tbsp honey
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil 6 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp dried powder ginger
Inspired by GoneToTheSnowDogs.com
WWW.KALISPELLVET.COM
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