Love of animals with responsibility and why an animal should not be a gift
Saint Michael's Thursday. The idea of a clumsy puppy under the Christmas tree may be touching, but behind this scene lies a well-known problem: animals are still given away at Christmas, even though they are living beings with needs, peculiarities and emotions. The status of pets has long since changed. Many are now considered full family members. This makes it all the more important to interact consciously and with respect, especially during the often hectic Christmas season.
“For many people, Christmas means closeness, warmth and togetherness, but for dogs this time can also be overwhelming. Lots of stimuli, more visits, noises and unfamiliar situations lead to stress,” says Kaja Ringert, co-founder of the sustainable pet food company Tales & Tails. A simple but effective method to calm dogs in such moments is chewing. “Chewing has a proven relaxing effect on dogs. It helps them regulate themselves in exciting situations and at the same time provides meaningful activity.”
In addition to chewing, small rituals and retreats can also help keep the dog in balance. A fixed place away from the hustle and bustle, calming music or targeted rest periods before and after the visit help the animal to calm down. Shared rituals, such as a quiet walk and conscious attention beforehand, also create security. It is important not to overwhelm the dog with a constant program, but to take his signals seriously.
Especially during the Christmas season, thoughtful relief can make an important contribution to the well-being of your four-legged friend. But the crucial message remains: animals do not belong under the tree, but in responsible hands. Organizations such as the German Animal Welfare Association have been warning for years against giving animals away carelessly, because it is not uncommon for them to end up back in the animal shelter a few weeks later.
The numbers make it clear how big the challenge is: In Germany, an estimated 80,000 dogs are surrendered to animal shelters every year. Animal shelters report a significant increase in ill-advised donations, especially after Christmas: a circumstance that illustrates how easily animal purchases can end up without sustainable planning.
A new family member requires time, preparation and lifelong care. If you want to give your children closeness to animals at Christmas, a visit to the animal shelter with an associated donation or a walk with a friend's dog is a sensible alternative, all without any risk.
About Tales & Tails
Tales & Tails was founded in 2018 by Kaja Ringert, Cathrin Wellens and Stella Mohr. The team of dedicated animal lovers pursues a clear mission: healthy, high-quality and transparently produced food for dogs and cats. Sustainability is at the heart of the business model – production is done using renewable energies, and every product sold is donated to animals in need. More information can be found at www.talesandtails.de/pages/uber-uns.