Thinking Of Gifting A Pet This Christmas? Consider This First

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? Are you still looking for that perfect gift for someone on your list? Have you completely run out of ideas? If I might make a suggestion...Pets make for pretty awesome gifts. (Specifically, dogs, but if you've got a cat-person in your life, you could make that work too.)

Before you dive off and buy a companion, make sure of a few things first...

Make Sure the Person You're Buying For is a Pet Person

Right off the bat, you need to make sure that whoever you're buying for is alright with pets. Your "perfect gift" could go down in flames really quick if they don't even want a pet to begin with. I suppose you could luck into one of those, "I didn't even know I wanted a pet, but now that I have one, it's perfect," moments, but you probably don't want to take that chance.

Also - and I can't stress this enough - please make sure that the people that will be taking care of the dog have the means and the desire to continue caring for it. You don't want it to end up in the shelter after just a few months.

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Check the Size of the Living Space

Do a little research before you make that purchase/adoption. If it's a small space, go for a small dog (or cat, for those of you changing it up). If it has more space, go a little bigger. If you're going big, make sure that there's a yard or outdoor space. Don't keep them cooped up. On that same note, if the living space is an apartment or small home, you probably don't want to go for something the size of a German-Shepherd. Make sure the ratio of dog to living space is good.

Check Local Listings First

Before driving off to Houston or Dallas to pick up a new pet, check local social media sites or other local listings. Or, better yet, check the local animal shelters. We have three great options right here in our vicinity. See below:

• Nacogdoches Animal Services and Adoption Center
  • Address: 3211 SW Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, Texas
  • Phone: 936-560-5011
  • Website: www.nactx.us/640/Animal-Services

• Winnie Berry Humane Society of Angelina County
  • Address: 1102 N John Redditt Drive, Lufkin, Texas
  • Phone: 936-639-1880
  • Website: www.angelinacountyhumanesociety.org

• Kurth Memorial Animal Services
  • Address: 1901 Hill Street, Lufkin, Texas
  • Phone: 936-633-0266
  • Website: www.cityoflufkin.com/departments/animal_services