Think before giving pet as gift

Sat., Dec. 17, 2005

The Spokesman-Review

The look on your loved one’s face when the cute puppy jumps out of the box might be an appealing reason for giving a pet as a gift, but beware.

If the person receiving a new animal for Christmas isn’t prepared, the puppy or kitten could end up at the nearest animal shelter, as many do following the holidays.

Spokane Regional Animal Protection Services shelter has an alternative. A gift certificate.

“If you have your heart set on giving a pet as a gift to someone special this year, give him or her the pleasure of choosing it as well,” SCRAPS director Nancy Hill said. “A gift certificate will help ensure that the pet is suited to the recipient.”

The gift certificate also gives the person receiving the animal time to prepare for bringing it into the home.

SCRAPS, 2521 N. Flora Road, in Spokane Valley, is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

For more information, call 477-2532.

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