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By Debbie Hearn
Times Newspapers Staff Writer
Happy Christmas memories often involve a playful puppy or cuddly kitten.
What child wouldn’t become wide-eyed and full of wonder if awakened to the sight of a new pet to love and make his or her best friend for life?
But pet adoption has responsibilities, too, and local animal shelters have advice for families considering taking home a puppy or kitten — even an adult dog or cat — during the busy holiday season.
“Remember that a new home, especially during the busy holiday season, is a time of stress for a pet,” was the echoed sentiment of the staff of the many shelters and rescue agencies in Fauquier County.
An even wiser suggestion offered by many agencies is to present a gift card with a promise to visit the shelter after the holidays to select a pet as a family. This prevents anxiety for the animal and still allows the joy of new pet ownership to be part of the festivities.
If you caji’t wait, and do decide to take home a new addition to the family, consider these reminders.
Don’t pussyfoot
around
It’s important to spend time with a new pet, more time perhaps than would be necessary during any other time of year.
It’s also important to establish rules from the beginning, so that puppies and kittens don’t
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