2016-12-04

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- If your having trouble picking out the perfect Christmas gift.There are millions of animals in shelters this year that are looking for a good home.

Despite negative stereotypes animal shelters may have, they provide many healthy, happy pet options for your family this time of year.

Pets can be the perfect present and Owner Of Emerson Animal Clinic Dr.Karen Emerson says shelters are the best place to go.

“If your wanting to get a family member a pet we have so many shelter organization that have pets that have special needs or they need a home for Christmas. You can go in and they have so many to choose from. A lot of people think you really can’t find puppy at a shelter they have different types of pure breeds you can find at a shelter,” said Emerson

Emerson says with a little education, shelter pets can fit right in with the family.

“Shelter pets are like abused children, we have to educate you on how to deal with their anxiety but it can be done and it can be done quickly it is amazing how you can get them to fit with your family and their so grateful shelter pets are so grateful to finally have a home that their so loving and they do very very well in family environments,” said Emerson.

The family can speed up the pets adjustment period if the get them from the shelter at an early age.

“But if you have a family with young children. I would try and get the youngest shelter dog there so that ya’ll can kind of grown up together and work together. If you do want to get an older dog see how that dog is going to act with your children and try and transition them slowly into your home,” said Emerson.

Emerson says the most important part of giving a shelter pet at a gift is

“Your not only giving that pet a home to have a family your also enrich that family members life because most shelter dogs I meet are fabulous so loving and they just want someone to give them a chance to be a part of their family that’s why it’s so important to go check out your local shelter,” said Emerson.

If your interested in giving a shelter pet this Christmas contact your local animal shelter to learn how.

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