Editorial

Pets important part of family at holiday time

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Who's on your Christmas list?

It's the family dog, if you're like a lot of Nebraskans.

We're not that extravagant, according to a study by www.TheNosePrint.com, spending an average of $12 per dog, 47th among the 50 states. New Jersey residents spend an average of $30.01 per dog and New Yorkers $29.55. Kentucky spends the least, $8.63.

Still, 71 percent of us give our dogs a gift this season, but why?

Naturally, according to the site's Santa Dog Index, it's to express love to the dog, because it's fun, to help the dog feel included like a family member, to give the dog a moment of happiness and to feel closer and bond with my dog.

We can argue the validity of judging a dog's emotion, but there's no doubt that owners treat their dogs like a member of the family.

Nearly half hang a stocking for their dog, 43 percent include them in a family holiday card, and others, in descending order of popularity, post a photo of their dog on social media, dress them up in a holiday-themed outfit or costume and make or buy dog-themed holiday decorations.

But perhaps you'd really like to embrace the holiday spirit by helping out some dogs, and cats, who aren't fortunate enough to be part of your family.

"The Cat Pack," a teen volunteer group has produced a deck of playing cards, featuring local animals, which, at $5 a pack, would make wonderful stocking stuffers and last-minute shopping gifts.

You might also take a look at the Cat Pack's 2016 calendar, sweaters, toys, ornaments, collars or leashes, all available at the McCook Humane Society, 100 South Street, open Monday through Friday (except Christmas) 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturday noon until 4 p.m. Call (308) 345-2372.

Be careful if you visit the Humane Society, however, you may be unable to resist taking one of the shelter animals home with you.

While it might be tempting to give a pet as a Christmas gift, don't adopt a pet on a whim; taking a dog or cat home is a lifetime commitment.

But if a new pet is right for your family, give serious consideration to adopting a shelter pet.

You'll be rewarded with years of loyal companionship.


Find out more at http://www.mccookhumanesociety.com/

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