It's easy to envision the joy on a child's face when he unwraps what could be the best holiday gift he has ever received - in fact the greatest gift he has EVER, EVER received - a cuddly, adorable puppy or kitten who purrs or coos gently as he snuggles contentedly in his arms. The child can hardly contain his excitement at the prospect of sharing his life with such a loving, beautiful, exuberant living creature- one whom he instinctively knows will be his best, truest and most loyal friend and companion. The child is ecstatic - his parents are thrilled by their boy's pleasure and gratitude upon receiving the gift he has wanted "more than anything" for the past several years. Finally, the boy's and whining begging, cajoling and beseeching have paid off. His parents have finally succumbed to his tearful and heartfelt requests for his own dog.

His well-intentioned but ill-informed parents have bought their son an 8-week old Siberian Husky (sled-dog) with beautiful white and silver fur and ice-blue eyes. Their son had fallen in love with a sled dog after viewing a film about them. Heeding their son's fervent wishes and with the best and kindest of intentions, the parents located a local breeder of Siberian Huskies they'd seen an ad for in a magazine and contacted her without checking on the breeder's credentials and qualifications. Instead of conducting research on the Internet and contacting the American Kennel Club, or searching for a breeder recommended by a veterinarian or local vet college or animal behaviorist or expert, they went ahead and purchased a pup. They failed to study the breed's characteristics (physically as well as behavioral) and didn't know enough to request a health history of the animal. They simply purchased the dog on impulse with the idea in mind that they would make their son's holiday the most joyful and memorable ever!

They failed to devote serious thought and deliberation to the obligations, responsibilities and commitments associated with pet ownership. They did not study the various aspects involved with owning a pet including financial requirements which incorporate the initial adoption or purchase fee along with veterinary costs for vaccinations, spay/neutering, health issues that may arise including illness or injury, proper care and training, socialization or obedience training, the cost of toys, bowls i.d tags, collar and leash or the commitment of time and TLC, the change of lifestyle which accompanies the addition of a pet to the family (we're talking exercise and playtime and plenty of interaction) - all of which constitute A BIG MISTAKE!