Animals are not Christmas presents

It's that time of year again, the time of year when people all around the globe need to find a nice present for their family member/partner/child. Many peoples wandering eyes will fall upon a cute little animal somewhere and think That, that will make a fabulous present
I mean who wouldn't want a puppy or a kitten or a rabbit or a lizard or a... it goes on.

Sassy our 15 week old puppy cuddling with White puss the rescue cat

But how many of them are spur of the moment decisions? how many of those animals end back up in a shelter in 3 months, 6 months.
I'm part of many rescue groups Australia wide and constantly I see young animals, a year old maybe two, being rehomed or sitting in a pound looking for rescue.

Too often people wont plan out a pet as a present. Oh your 3 year old wants a dog? yea your three year old also wants to go to the moon. maybe stop handing shit to children just because they want it. These animals have needs, specific needs and too many of them end up in homes where those needs aren't and cant be met.

These animals rely on us, they bond with us, they are supposed to be family

Every day I see new animals that have been abandoned and let down by their supposed family. Some are dumped, some are left at shelters, often people will just move and leave them behind to fend for themselves.
It breaks my heart. I don't understand how you could ever do that. I have been fostering a giant French Mastiff for the last few months and Im going to find it so hard to let him go even when I know hes got a home to go to.

Boss is a 12 month old French Mastiff or Dogue De Bordeaux whos dad has become homeless and I have been looking after for the last 3 months

I know most people get these animals with the best intentions but those intentions are worthless if you don't follow through. If you can't commit to them for life they should not even be an option as a present.
Honestly too, the reasons I hear for it are such bullshit. Sweetest dog today looking for a home because she was bought as a puppy during lockdown when they were bored. Now they got a job they "dont have time for her and its unfair" Yea it is unfair, unfair that you got a dog because you were bored and now it is going to suffer because of your selfishness.

Gentle giant playing with the tiny puppy. 2.5kg and 55kg

Maybe you lost your job? Too bad, your responsibility.
Lost your house? Still your responsibility.
Kid on the way? Still your responsibility.
Moving interstate? Well, you get the idea.

There are very few reasonable excuses to abandon a pet. If you get it get it for life.
These animals don't deserve to be bred for your joy just for you to neglect and mistreat them.