Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?

[lgemini]

I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   

[Sendmicheck]

It would be a good idea to give your son the puppy for Christmas.  A dog is a man's best friend.  I give you credit for taking care of a special need child.  You mentioned, he talked about the puppy , that mean he is looking forward to be surprise for Christmas.  Good luck, with your new puppy.

[SmartyTru]

There are many things to consider b4 getting a puppy let alone for a special needs child(mine is grown thank god lol 35)first who is going to take care of the dog? Is your child ambulatory? A puppy is a LOT of work however the rewards and love can be well worth your time and effort. I am all for dogs getting a nice loving home especially when it comes to a special needs child just be careful before you jump in and send a pic when he gets his new puppy lol (because I know your going to get it anyway lol)

Merry Christmas
To You and Your Son
Patrick

[sherryinutah]

I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   

I think it's a beautiful idea.  I love animals and that's a gift that will keep on giving. 

On the other side of the coin...a puppy...can be high maintenance for a while.  After it stops chewing things up and is house broken I'm sure it will become a very valuable and loyal family member. 

Merry Christmas!  

[abdyer2001]

Only get the puppy if you are ready for the comitment that comes with it. unfortunately the sad fact is that a lot of people give puppies for christmas then they find out that they require more attention than they are willing to provide.  The puppies then end up going to the humane society. or being dumped out..    If you are ready for the comitment of a puppy, maybe check some of the local shelters in your area to adopt a new puppy .. 

[fogarty815]

My younger child, my beautiful daughter, is also special needs and if anything, trust that if you can take care of your son, you can take care of a dog.  We don't have one, but we have a wonderful cat, who was the reason my son first walked! And now she is loved by my daughter as well. Pets can be so comforting and healing as long as we make sure we keep the pet's needs in mind, too. 

[donnainky]

I would suggest adopting a puppy from a shelter or rescue group. There are so many wonderful dogs available. When picking your puppy be prepared for a long term  commitment. Research breeds and decide what fits your lifestyle. Small dogs versus large, active versus calm. Really understand what you are bringing home so you are not shocked or overwhelmed. Good luck and Merry Christmas.

[Tresbn00]

A dog is a huge commitment and, since your child has special needs, you should be prepared for a lot of work. The first year will be spent cleaning up after teh puppy and the numerous things that it will get into.  Walking the dog first thing in the morning, at lunch time and before you go to bed at night are important because they have to go potty too. Have money set aside for vet bills because your puppy will need two visits, minimum, per year.  In other words your 'present' is like a second child and will need a lot of time and attention.

[mgint]

yes if you have room and time for one will make a child very happy.

[poppy1]

Having an animal is like having a baby.  If you have discussed it with everyone that will be involved with caring for it, I think that it is great.  And if it fits into the budget  vet, food, accessories  That would be the best gift! 

[animikokala]

Like others have said:  getting a dog is like getting another child.  They require a lot more maintenance than a cat does.

I also recommend researching breeds to match your needs (allergy sensitivity, exercise/space available, temperament, etc).

[gaylasue]

Yes, a puppy would be a great Christmas gift if that is what is wanted.  I don't think it is a good idea if it hasn't been requested.

[mimimarlene]

It would be a wonderful gift if your son is old enough to help take care of the puppy and would be kind to it.  Some children get pets too early and cannot help with the responsibliy or do not know how to care for a pet-But remember it is a very long commintment and everyone in the family must want the puppy. It is also a big investment, food, vet care etc. so be sure you are ready for it.

[mlhigby]

I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   

I think a puppy is a great idea i got one for my kids the only problem i am having with it was the deal that i made with my kids is they have to help take care of the puppy my twins are 10 and i though it would be a great way for them to learn responsibility and with your kid being a spacial need kid and being a pre teen ya its a descant amount of work but to let him have a dog and you can teach him to help take care of the puppy that way he feels good about being response able for some thing other then there self. I don't know what kind of place you live but i have found bigger dog are much friendlier then small dogs i have a great Pyrenees & lab mix it a huge dog but is very good to my kids not mean at all and can handle if the kids hold to tight or a little rough. where a poodle or chwawa  might bight if your son gets to rough that is my thought.

[jeannia2]

I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   

I myself thank he would like to see a puppy under his tree. And know you will be there helping him with the puppy. He would  love it to the upmost.