Question from a reader:”I run a pet store and business has been pretty good. People seem to have money for their pets. Didn’t you say they didn’t?
My answer is thanks for being a loyal longtime reader because that particular question is just slightly off. I said in an older blog entry that stores that make goods or services that cater to pets would actually do well. I am assuming that you are doing a decent sales in pet food for dogs, cats, fish, snakes etc but I wonder if you are doing well in animal sales.
The problem with the holidays is that it is great for getting pets but by New Year’s there are sometimes children and parents who don’t have a clue how to take care of them or they’ve gotten a skittish pet that likes children alright – they like them raw.
Kids see dogs like dalmatians or greyhounds, and whatever the latest dog craze is and they want the pooch (or cat or snake or moose). The problem is that the critter may have a personality that doesn’t lend itself to socializing, especially with kids trying to hug it or kiss it. That usualy leads to bites, scratching and other problems.
The net result is the animal is returned to the store with the pet owner demanding a refund and being indignant that they weren’t told that their pet eats children. Sheesh.
Please don’t get me wrong. We have a dog. We use to have cats, a hamster and fish. As animals went to kitty lake in the sky or Goldfish Heaven, we decided that we would stop getting more pets (at least for awhile) because we didn’t have the time to care for them and give them the love and attention they’d need. Animals can be like kids. You need to spend time and money on them. Kids demand a lot of energy and attention as well.
If you have a pet and don’t love them, they are a drain on your wallet/purse and emotions.
It is a good idea to remember that if you get an animal you will be helping the economy because you will have to buy food for the critter, get the animal shots and medical check-ups and whatever other animal things (bed, clothes, subscription to magazines or cable, etc) that they might like. The providers of these businesses and services will be extremely grateful.
Animals can be great companions and provide love and joy if you are lonely. Unless they are excessively yarky or meowily, the don’t talk back and hopefully they don’t cause too much damage around the house.
Just make sure you have the emotional availability, time, money and energy to invest in your pet. Otherwise, like the goldfish that dies after you win it at the county fair (or that illegal alligator you bought that is getting a bit to big for Mom’s taste), your dreams and cash might be flushed away.
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Kim Isaac Greenblatt
Pets Can Be Lousy Holiday Gifts
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