As a parent, I know the temptation of finding each day of the Holiday season a special opportunity to make our child’s material dreams come true. If you’ve asked your child “What would you like for the Holidays?” there is an implied obligation to ante up and deliver. If begging for a puppy is the child’s chant this Holiday season, simply dig in your heels and say “No!”

Adopting a dog into a family can set an example for good behavior for a child’s lifetime. How you treat this pet will be a tangible experience in love, patience, responsibility and handling adversity. I think everyone should have a dog. I actually think everyone should have two. I think every child should grow up learning the lessons animal ownership can teach. Unfortunately, I am wrong. There is a lot to consider first. Be sure to think through the consequences of bringing a living and often demanding addition into your household before you rush out and do something in haste to meet the Holiday deadline.