While the holidays would seem a sweet time to make a furry — or scaly — addition to the family, doing so requires knowledge, discipline and often money to look after a pet and keep it in good health.

It takes a lot of attention, too, especially when the novelty wears off and a new normal settles into the home.

Andrew Desjardins, also known as Mr. Drew (and His Animals, Too), encourages education on a new pet, whether it be a labradoodle, Scottish Fold kitten, chinchilla or boa constrictor.

January brings many animal surrenders that inundate shelters and rescuers. Most are due to impulse purchases in December, Desjardins said.

Charles Montgomery stretches as he wakes from a nap Thursday at the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

“Holidays are a very impulsive time,” he said. “We have well over 200 animals at any given time. That is over 200 homes prior to me. That does not include the animals that were in my care for all the years prior.”

Desjardins said the animals that come into his care — mostly exotic pets — are also a product of miseducation. People often learn the hard way that caring for certain animals is difficult, including expenses that are great and smells or messes not foreseen.

“We can blame a pet store only so much if you don’t you don’t take the time yourself to learn,” Desjardins said. “You may be getting the animal for your child, but it is ultimately your responsibility as an adult.”

The animals Desjardins receives early in their lifespan are the “lucky ones” because their short time with a family gives them a chance for a quick rebound.

The longer animals remain in the care of families, the easier it is for them to fall ill. Many veterinarians do not have experience with exotic pets, so there are only a couple courses of actions: Commute to a veterinarian that treats those animals, or surrender them to Mr. Drew or a shelter.

“And all expenses fall upon me,” Desjardins said. “All could be prevented if people resist impulse.”

Morgan Adams of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society holds a kitten, Paul, on Thursday afternoon before putting him into a pet carrier after being adopted. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Katie Lisnik, executive director of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, or GAHS, in Lewiston, said there is nothing like unwrapping a cuddly creature Christmas morning, but it is highly discouraged in come cases.

The number of January surrenders for GAHS is not much greater in January than in other months, but some of the animals that do come to the shelter at or beyond the new year are returns, according to Lisnik. She said she supports adopting pets, of course, but do not make such decisions without much thought.

It can be tragic to see a second return happen, Lisnik said.

“Knock on wood, it’s not a huge problem (for GAHS),” she said, “but it happens.”

Rather than discouraging people from buying a new pet for the holidays, Lisnik said GAHS likes to encourage people to make a festive gift out of that decision by bringing the family to the shelter. Members of the family can then meet the animals, talk about owner responsibilities and find a match that suits the entire family.

“Hey, if you’ve got kids, surprise them by a visit. We’re decorated, it’s fun and exciting and you can have the whole family there,” Lisnik said. “It’s still an amazing surprise around the holiday and we highly encourage that.

One of many dogs available for adoption Thursday at the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

“Not every cat and not every dog are the same, and you really can’t jolt or surprise someone with a new animal. You’ve really got to have them and the animal meet, and that can be just as special, even though it’s not something they’re unwrapping under the tree.”

GAHS also does adoption fee vouchers for those who want to gift an animal, according to Lisnik. It is helpful in sparking the holiday cheer while promoting much-needed, face-to-face time with potential adoptions. That way, the kids have something to unwrap under the tree and know they are going to take a trip to the shelter later on to meet the animals.

Desjardins said he holds tours of his education center for groups from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Admission is $8.

Visitors can observe — and sometimes hold — some of the 150 animals and get a feel for what it will take to care for certain creatures. Desjardins is also responsive to those with questions about caring for their exotic pets.

Said Desjardins: “I tell adults: ‘Take your child’s age and add at least 10 years or more: That is an average pet’s lifespan. So, if your child is 10 years old, the pet may still be around when your child is 20. What will be happening in your child’s life between the ages of 10 to 20? A lot. Who is taking care of that animal? Not them, but you.'”

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