Adopting pets for Christmas: “a lifelong commitment”

FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Every year, many families buy a pet for a loved one to receive on Christmas day.

Unfortunately, many of those pets end up at shelters just weeks or even days later after the new owner realizes it’s not what they want. Shelter employees and volunteers want you to consider a variety of factors before adopting a furry friend for Christmas to be sure you’re ready for the commitment.

“Puppies are a lot of work,” said Lori Ward with the New River Humane Society. “They’re not always cute and fun when they’re messy and chewing up things. Make sure the person you’re getting it for really wants a pet and if you’re getting it for yourself, make sure that you’re willing to take the time and effort to train the pet and take care of it. It’s a lifelong commitment.”

If you have an idea of what kind of pet you’re looking for, call your local shelter to see how they can help.

Sponsored Content
Kassie Simmons
Kassie Simmons joined the team in January 2019 as a weekend journalist. She graduated from Virginia Tech in just two and a half years with a BA in multimedia journalism. During her short time at Virginia Tech, she served as the editor for the university’s chapter of The Tab. Kassie was named the top reporter for The Tab at Virginia Tech on multiple occasions and made the list for the top 30 reporters for The Tab in the U.S. She also studied theater performance and minored in creative writing. Before coming to WOAY, Kassie interned at WSLS in Roanoke and the Tidewater Review in her hometown of West Point, Va. She has loved following breaking news since her childhood and has a passion for delivering the stories people care most about. Kassie is excited to be working in Southern West Virginia and looks forward to all the adventures ahead of her. You can follow her on Twitter at @KassieLSimmons and like her page on Facebook. If you have a story you think she should check out, send her an email at ksimmons@woay.com.