As I sit here writing this column Rhew, our 12-year-old Siberian Husky, is sniffing for any bits of food that our son may have dropped. Lynn and I were given Rhew when the gentle dog was only 12 weeks old. It seems that the couple that bought the black and white "Sibe" from a breeder split up and their dog needed a home. We had room for the puppy and welcomed her into our family.

The couple had paid considerable money to a breeder for the puppy. They had obviously put some thought into getting a dog, selecting their canine companion and paying for their pet. Unfortunately, many animal companions lose their homes for one reason or another.

During the next few weeks numerous friendly, sensitive pets will lose the "homes" that they will only have known for a short time. Many of these will be taken to animal shelters and pounds where they will face an uncertain future. Many of these will be pets who were given as Christmas presents.

If you are considering surprising someone with a living, breathing "gift" - DON’T! Chances are your gesture will upset and/or anger the recipient of the "present" and the poor animal will pay dearly for your act - possibly with his/her life.

Many people who receive pets as gifts don’t even want an animal companion and all of the responsibilities and expenses that come with one. Surprising someone who is actually considering sharing their life with an animal companion is also a bad idea which frequently ends in pain and suffering for both the person and the pet.

Selecting a four-legged family member is a very personal decision. Chances are a person who wants a dog will not warm up to, or appreciate, a feline friend. A person looking for a Lab cross or a Shepherd cross dog may not be compatible with a small Terrier cross.

If you want to surprise someone with a pet for Christmas, surprise them with the idea of a companion animal instead. Wrap items that the animal will need, such as a collar, leash and bowls, and put them under the tree. You can include a nice card indicating that you will be glad to accompany them to the local shelter or pound when they personally select their animal companion at an appropriate time.

Whoever adopts a pet must know all of the responsibilities, expenses and commitments that are involved in raising a companion animal. Only when the prospective adopter has considered these and they are certain that they will be able to provide a good home for the animal for his/her entire life should they take on the responsibility of caring for a pet.

No matter how careful people are when they select their pets, many of the relationships will fail resulting in unimaginable suffering for the unfortunate animals who lose their homes, families and sometimes their lives. If a high percentage of relationships fail when the person personally selects his/her pet, it is no wonder that animal shelters and pounds are full after Christmas with pets who have been used to surprise someone on this special day.

Please do your part to ensure that pets are not given as presents. Take the time to educate those who are considering giving a wonderful, intelligent and caring pet to someone as if the animal was a box of chocolates or a basket of fruit.

As I finish writing this column Rhew is lying contentedly beside me on a comforter on the couch. This wonderful friend was one of the lucky ones.