WALLY ASHCROFT'S Wonder of Pets

Christmas is only a week away. The shops are groaning under the weight of shoppers buying last-minute presents for their families and friends. It is a frenzied time, I know, but if you are considering a pet as a present I would ask you to pause for a while and consider a few points.

Although I believe that all children can benefit from owning and caring for a pet, I would question the wisdom of introducing a new pet into the home on Christmas Day. There will be too many other distractions to cope with, and, put alongside toys and games, children will look upon the pet as just another plaything.

A pet is for life and needs lots of attention, especially when it is introduced into a new home. With mother tied up in the kitchen, father seeing to the visitors, and children happily opening their presents, it is not the best time to settle in a new puppy.

A budgerigar for grannie, or a new kitten for aunt Jane who lives alone, have a good chance of receiving the attention they need. But small children won't come to any harm if they have to wait until after all the Christmas festivities have passed away.

Household pets such as cats and dogs which are already in the home should be treated carefully during the festive season. They should not be over-indulged with the rich foods that we eat. Christmas puddings, trifle, mince pies and turkey, although acceptable to most dogs and some cats, will play havoc with their daily routine. Upset stomachs are a regular occurrence immediately after Christmas. Children should be encouraged to wrap up a little present for their pets so they are not neglected or forgotten in all the excitement. Try to spend some time with your pet on the day. A long walk with the dog will benefit you even more than him, especially after a large Christmas dinner. Don't forget the rabbit at the bottom of the garden and remember to have a little chat to the budgie. While you are enjoying Christmas your pet will enjoy it too.

The RSPCA and the Cats Protection League, along with many other animal charities, are inundated with unwanted dogs and cats, around and after Christmas. They are always looking for funds and, once again in partnership with Rutland Veterinary Hospital, we are organising a 'Give a A Stray A Christmas Dinner' appeal. I mentioned this in a previous column and already we have had lots of tins and packets of biscuits brought in. It is lovely to see such caring generosity.

Last year we collected almost 1,000 dinners which were distributed around several local charities. We have even had a case of hedgehog food donated which has already been sent to the Hedgehog Rescue in Formby. We are inviting customers to give a tin of food towards the cost of feeding these unwanted pets. For every 10 tins collected we will be donating one tin ourselves. Money is always tight at this time of year but I do hope that some of you will feel able to help.

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year and to thank all those readers for their kind comments about my column.

By Wally Ashcroft of the The Pets Emporium, 2-6 College Street, St Helens, and Sutton Corn Stores, 69 Junction Lane, Sutton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.