We’ve all seen the television commercials showing an adorable little puppy poking its head out of a package under the Christmas tree. Such a picture can melt the heart of the most hardened Scrooge.

Perhaps your four-year-old child has been teasing for a puppy and you can just picture the sparkle in their eyes when they see their new pet on Christmas morning.

Such heartwarming scenes lend themselves to catchy advertising for pet food, but the adorable puppy is not always the most practical Christmas gift to put under your tree.

“Christmas in most homes is a pretty hectic time,” said Steve Mason of Mainely Puppies in Oxford. “Introducing a puppy into the home can be pretty traumatic for the animal and should be done when the home is calmer.”

A gift certificate might be a better alternative, allowing time for the new pet owner to decide what type of dog or cat is a good match for the home and family.

The American Kennel Club recommends prospective new dog owners research the breed and the breeders. Temperament, sociability, and what size the cuddly little puppy will be as an adult are important factors. Consider the environment the puppy will be living in such as an apartment or a home with a fenced-in yard.

If the breed is known for being high strung, it’s best that the new pet is not put in a home where it will be alone all day while its owners work and go to school. Until a puppy understands its boundaries when they’re in the home alone, crate training or a baby gate are good alternatives.

The AKC website, www.akc.org has three questions you should ask yourself before you purchase or adopt a dog. 1. Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and home? 2. Will I have enough time to spend training, grooming, and exercising? 3. Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the best future for the dog?

If you do decide to get a puppy, whether it’s a Christmas gift or not, obedience training is recommended. Find a reputable trainer or check out some of the online training videos. Mainely Puppies has a link to several videos on their website at www.mainelypuppies.com.

“A puppy is not a toy or a throw away,” said Mason. “They are for life!”

Adopting a pet is another consideration and a humanitarian thing to do, but Lucille Larsen, manager of Responsible Pet Care in Norway, agrees with Mason.

“Christmas is not the best time to bring a pet into the home,” said Larsen. “It takes a little time for the pet to adjust to the new environment and, remember, cats and dogs will see the Christmas tree and presents as something to investigate.”

Gift certificates are also available at Responsible Pet Care where they have many kittens, adult cats, and a few dogs. The price varies depending on the animal and covers the cost of spaying or neutering, testing, defleaing, and worming.

“Getting a pet as a gift is not out of the question, but depends on the home circumstances. We’re happy to advise anyone looking to adopt,” added Larsen. “I definitely don’t recommend a cat for the elderly, however, because of the possibility of tripping.”

Providing a good home with a lot of love for any animal is a wonderful and a great addition to the family, but for Christmas, a gift certificate in the Christmas stocking just might be the purrfect gift.