Best Place to Get Dog for Christmas

I would try a shelter or the SPCA. I adopted my dog from the SPCA and she has been the best dog ever! They are already spayed/neutered and microchipped. It is a really great feeling to know that you are giving a dog a second chance. Good luck.

There are so many unwanted animals that are being unnecessarily euthanized. Visit the animal shelters. Many have pure bred dogs. They're also been evaluated for adoptability, and they'll help match you and your family with the dog's personality. Check out www.petfinder.com and see all the different animals needing homes.

I agree with other posts. Rescue dogs would be great. They need homes. As for getting them at xmas - probably a hectic time to bring a new dog into the home. With all the visitors and chaos going on, it would probably stress out the pup. Maybe a better idea would be to obtain the pup, take a picture of it and wrap that up as a gift. Picking up the pup after the holidays when things settle down and everyone can concentrate on the pup and training there of. Anticipation of the pup makes the gift even better.

I also agree about having an already trained dog in the house before introducing another. The older dog will literally train the younger. It is quite amazing to watch.

S. Faust
Vacation Pet Nanny Inc.
www.vacationpetnanny.com

I'd check with Best Friends. Not only are the rescue dogs, but they often get purebreds and they have the dogs in a foster situation so you can get a full report on how they behave with children, other pets, when by themselves, etc so you can be sure of any behaviors before you end up with a problem. Good luck

Please do not buy from a puppy mill. Go to your local animal shelter. They have many pure breed dogs that love to have a home. Good luck.

Go to an animal shelter! So many lovable dogs (all shapes, sizes and ages) just waiting for someone to love them. My sister-in-law bought her "boutique" dog from a puppy mill (for shame on her!) and while she loves the dog, it has had sooooo many health issues. Make it a Merry Christmas not only for your children, but for the dogs as well! We're hoping to get a dog sometime next year and I am definitely going to an animal shelter.

I didn't read the other posts, so I don't know everyone's opinion, but here's mine:

Buying/paying for dogs is ridiculous, especially in this economy. Pet shops get their puppies from puppy farms/mills that DO NOT breed healthy dogs, they carry diseases and are often mistreated. Don't support this kind of business.

SPCA, humane society, rescue organizations, go somewhere where you know dogs are treated kindly and their health is looked after, they've had all of their shots or at least require that they do before you take it into your home.

Please adopt a dog. They make the best lifelong companions and best friends!

Definately check out the rescue groups and petfinder.com first. There are so many disreputable breeders out there -- especially for the toy breeds. You really have to be careful. Also, most of the pet stores just buy from puppy mills and the mark up is criminal. Another thing to keep in mind is that most toy breeds are for families with older children. Younger children tend to get snapped at or bitten more. Plus they're more prone to injury at the hands of the kids however well meaning theymay be. You don't mention your kiddo's ages, but hopefully you'll take this into account.

I need to chime in with the others. Operations Kindness is wonderful - I got my Great Pyr there. I work with rescues as well as have a pet sitting business so it is important that if you are getting a rescue to make sure you are getting all the care you can. If not in the home full time, you may end up with behavior problems (whether purebred or not) just from sheer boredom and sitters can help with that.

For Rescues here is some information
Operation Kindness - http://www.operationkindness.org/index.php

Yorkshire Kingdom Rescue Anne Reggie or Phil Reed, ###-###-####, ____@____.com

Adoption referral sites
www.petharbor.com
www.petfinder.com

Also check out the Garland Animal Shelter. I work with a nonprofit to get these doggies adopted every month as it is one of the last shelters in North Texas which still gas. Changes are being made but not fast enough.

Thanks and good luck!

L. Mitchell
Fetch Pet Care of NE Dallas
###-###-####
www.fetchpetcare.com

My mom actually has three Yorkie's for sale as of last Thursday they were 6 weeks old so they will not be able to leave there mamma for two weeks but would make GREAT Christmas doggies. There are two boys and one girl. She is also in Carrollton so she is close ;o) My daughter loves the dogs and they are all so great with her... even at the torchering age of 16 months! If you are interested email me and I will send you her contact information. Merry Christmas!

Hi C.,
Getting a dog at the holidays is really not the best time. Especially two at the same time, what with the hectic pace of Christmas puppies take a lot of time what with potty training and such. It is best to wait until the pace has slowed a bit so that you can concentrate on getting them started out on the right "paw". If you would like to be able to talk with some knowledgable breeders there is a big dog show this weekend in Dallas at Market Hall where you can meet the breeds that you are interested in and talk with the owners/breeders and get a feel if this is the breed that you want. Please feel free to give me a call and I will be happy to give the times that these breeds will be shown and directions. My number is ###-###-####.

With Regards,

T. Hunter
All Creatures Great to Small
McKiney Texas

Hi There
You might want to check Operation Kindness they sometimes have full breed animals. You can see photos of who they have available on their site. We paid 100 adoption fee for each of our cats. Merry Christmas!

My dad bought my mom a Yorkie for Christmas a couple of years ago from a breeder based in Bonham, TX (about an hour north of McKinney). The dog is precious and healthy and has a sweet disposition. You can learn more about the breeder at www.yourpup.com and see their available puppies there.

I highly recommend a Yorkie Rescue. I don't know if they will be able to find what you need by Christmas, but the price is right and you will get a full breed Yorkie.
I went this route with my kids when they were looking for Shelties. We obviously went through a Sheltie Rescue, but the same goes for any breed.
R.
____@____.com

I read the other responses and I have to say I am so glad there are so many rescue advocates on this site! I agree with them, try Operation Kindness or yorkie rescue and definitely do your research on the breed and on pup expenses in general. Be sure you're ready for the vet bills. Even healthy dogs cost money, you have spay and neutering, monthly flea and tick preventative, yearly shots, grooming, food, etc., etc. Not trying to scare ya, but just prepare ya! Have a great Christmas,
T.

You might want to do some research online. I think I heard somewhere that you should not have sibling dogs, because they do no bond with you as well as with each other. Not sure if that is true, but you might want to check into it.