A dog is for life, not just for Christmas

I thought that it would be quite appropriate today to turn our attention to the slogan 'A dog is for life not just for Christmas.'

This slogan has more truth and honesty in 9 words than a glitzy magazine has from cover to cover. The UK's National Canine Defence League really excelled themselves when they introduced this back in 1978 as it is widely quoted and respected. Widely quoted yes, but respected? I am not so sure...

I think people are still forgetting that cute little puppies get bigger, grow more hair and mature into a handsome dog, and with the dog's maturity the love and attention from their owners begins to fade. The little puppy that their children craved when they were little has suddenly become 'not so cute' and 'not so wanted'.

It is such a shame, I love my dog just as much, if not more now that he has matured than ever before, and right from a puppy he has remained a permanent fixture, loved and cared for, our family pet.

But when you think about it, that may be one of the top 3 excuses for pets becoming abandoned, but it certainly isn't all of them. The dog ruins and bites the furniture, the dog isn't good with children, we have moved flat and there are no pets allowed. Must I continue?

I am not saying that in some cases there aren't genuine reasons for people that may no longer be able to home their pet, it's just that excuses are casually thrown around at the expectation that 'good' people like Dog's Trust will come along and pick up the pieces, It's just not fair. All I can say at this point, is thank god for people like Dog's Trust!

I really don't want to seem as though I am having a rant before the festive season, but I think it is about time that people truly took notice of flipping good slogans like 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas' and have the confidence to shout it from the rooftops.

So, if you do find yourself being greeted with an excited wee and fluffy ears wrapped in a little pink bow this Christmas, look after your pooch, they will be your best friend, most loyal companion and beach buddy all year round.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!