So you got a new dog for Christmas- good. A few years ago, a new dog named Nugget arrived at my house for Christmas. We had two already, so it was a surprise, but I’m glad he did. He’s still here, this is his home now, and it will be his home for the rest of his life.

This Christmas, I saw an increased amount of attention on other dogs who have not been as lucky. There are people who bring their older dogs to the pound when they are getting a new dog. There are still others who take their new dog to the pound before the next Christmas, for varying reasons.

To me, there’s a special place in hell for these people. Dogs are our best companions, frankly better companions than other people are. To me, once you bring a dog into the house, you added a member of the family. If you don’t want to commit to the animal, don’t get the animal in the first place. It’s a pretty simple thing. They’re capable of feeling abandonment, and nothing should ever feel abandoned.

So I hope you really like your new pet. Merry Christmas.