Hi everyone,
I check this site and the forums every now and then without posting, but today, I really need to have a bit of a rant.
I regularly see on social media and hear from people I know that animals – especially dogs and cats – are being given as gifts to others, sometimes to children or teenagers, and sometimes to other adults.
A pet is not a present, especially if it's never been discussed, asked for, or wanted.
Yesterday, a famous North American professional boxer gave a female Pitbull puppy, named Freyja, to the Ukrainian president! Now, first of all, you don't just give a puppy or a dog as a gift, but even less so one of that breed – even if they aren't categorised there like they are in France (or restricted like in the UK).
He looked happy with this "gift", he had a big smile, but although he's had several dogs before and loves them, he's apparently never had a dog of this specific breed type. Obviously, he won't be the one looking after her himself, but someone competent will be needed to train and handle this dog with a lot of care and patience.
Dogs of this breed live for about 12 to 13 years on average. He won't be president for the dog's whole life and she's supposed to "belong" to him, so he (along with his wife) will have to be responsible for her after his term ends.
I find it pathetic, because there's a risk of an increase in people buying, adopting, or giving dogs – maybe even Pitbulls or similar breeds – without any real thought, in many countries because of this gift, given that both the donor and the recipient are famous and influential. And following that, an increase in the number of pets being abandoned.
You choose a pet with your heart and your head, and for yourself, not for someone else. And you don't buy a pet, you adopt.
Anyway, I just wanted to have a bit of a (major) rant about this subject as it's very important to me. Have a good day.
