While children may soon tire of the hottest TV-advertised toy that they receive this holiday season, discarding it with heartless abandon after a week or two, there's one gift that demands consistent care and attention: a pet animal.
Parents and relatives have a special obligation to make sure that the youngster and the family can provide the proper environment and commitment to care for the new pet. Before buying a dog or cat, potential pet owners need to make sure they are compatible with the animal's needs, temperament and characteristics.
Dalmatian dogs are one of the popular breeds that often end up in the wrong homes. The Central Maryland Dalmatian Club, headed by Finksburg resident Carlyn O'Neill, devotes much of its efforts to helping people decide whether a Dalmatian is the right dog for their home and lifestyle. The club also has an active rescue program to find proper homes for unwanted dogs.
Once known as the fire station dog, Dalmatians have captivated hordes of children over the decades because of the immensely popular Disney movie, "101 Dalmatians." In addition to selling millions of dollars in related merchandise, the 1961 film also spawns widespread popularity for the breed as a family pet whenever it is re-released in theaters.
While a hundred black-spotted, white puppies may happily fit into a London townhouse in the cartoon, real-life experience with Dalmatians is much different. The dog is very active, needs outdoor room to run and demands thorough obedience-training and human attention. Like a lot of breeds, these dogs don't stay small for long, either.
The club's rescue program chairman, Chris Jackson of Owings Mills, says the main problem is that some Dalmatian owners don't find out about the breed before acquiring the dog, and then find they have to give up the pet.
Some of these neglected pets have to be put to sleep. Fortunately, the Dalmatian club's rescue network is able to find suitable homes for many others. (The club's number is 410-356-2352.)
But the best way to prevent this heart-wrenching dilemma is to get a dog only when you fully understand the consequences and conditions associated with ownership and companionship over the years. After all, it's the gift of life.