The Right Way to Gift Wrap a Pet

When Kids Discover Pets

by Lauren Wygant & Larry Kay

What happens if a pet is on your child's wish list this season? What if a pet is the only item on your child's wish list? Great! Your child has just given you the gift of being open to valuable lessons that are probably on your parental wish list.

These lessons do not require you to end up with a pet! A pet should be added to the family only after careful consideration of the time, energy, and expense needed to provide the good home and quality of life that a new family member deserves. If you decide that the timing isn't right to bring a pet into the family, go through your reasoning with your child. A child can learn a lot about thorough decision-making and responsible choices from you. Be prepared for your child's promises that would make a politician blush, but don't give in. Be compassionate with your child as she deals with her deep disappointment, sadness, and anger.

If you have decided it's a good time to welcome home a new family member, here is the secret to surprising your child with the perfect pet: don't! Involve your child in every aspect of choosing and preparing for a pet so that your child practices responsibility and empathy.

Help your child research types of pets and differences in breeds. Get facts on paper, including the nitty gritty of how often the pet will need to be cleaned or cleaned up after, how expensive the care will be, the general temperament and life expectancy of the pet. Let your children discover the responsibilities and privileges of each pet.

Once you have determined the best pet for to your family, find a good resource. Rescue organizations are a great place to start. For a list of rescue organizations, visit animalwow.com. Use caution when purchasing pets from people or businesses that make money off of the transaction. While there are legitimate sellers, many are less concerned about the animal's health than their own bottom line.

When you go looking, bring that list of all the decisions you and your child made, to help you bring home the pet that best fits with your family. A list also helps you and your child to focus if one of you falls in love with all the pets who need a home. If you don't find the right pet on your first trip, plan another and wait to find the pet that will best fit with your family.

Be creative about letting your child know that you will choose a pet together. Check the ideas in this month's sidebar to help you create the first of many wonderful memories with your pet!

How To "Surprise" Your Child With A New Pet

Although you may be tempted to surprise your child with a pet, again, don't. In the long run, it's much better to use one of these surprises instead. That way you can have the joy of surprise, and more importantly, get ready together to welcome home your newest family member.

Surprise #1. Wrap a paper heart with a note on it that says, "You had a great idea!" and then a clue on where to find the next heart that gives another clue about what that idea might be. Create a treasure hunt of hearts that ends with a card letting your child know that together you will find a great pet.

Surprise #2. If your child has her heart set on a particular kind of animal and you okay that, find a plush or plastic toy of that animal and wrap it up with a note that says you and she will spend special time together to find a great family pet.

Surprise #3. You can celebrate a multi-day holiday by giving a series of small gifts, starting with an obscure item that could have something to do with a pet your child might like, such as a bag of sand for a lizard, or a tennis ball for a dog. Each day, give a gift that could be more closely associated with the pet until the last day when you let your child know he will help choose the final gift.

Surprise #4. If you don't celebrate a holiday but this all sounds like a good idea, declare November your family's "Pet Month" and take the month to go through all the steps to find a great pet.

Feel free to email Lauren and Larry your family pet questions at animalwow@familymagazinegroup.com.