Source: NewsLeader.com

It's that time of year — and if your little one has been begging for a kitten or pup and Santa has agreed this year, good for you. Having a pet offers a child a lot of advantages. The bonding comes naturally, and not quite as naturally but just as important are the lessons of responsibility. There's nothing quite like having a hungry animal to motivate someone to make sure there's food in the dish. And dogs need to be walked, and cats need their litter boxes cleaned. Both with regularity.

A couple of things to consider before bringing the new family member home:

• Research care and feeding of your new dog or cat (or rabbit or fish). Be sure you know what to do and have any equipment and resources needed on hand.

   

   

• Remember that shelters have great options for your best gift as well as pet stores. Petfinder.com is also a good resource if you still are looking for a particular breed or color. Unfortunately, shelters' inventory grows larger every day.

   

   

• Housetraining puppies in the winter is even less fun than in milder weather. Be sure that rules are set and followed by all members of the family, giving the pup every chance to succeed. Accidents will happen. Know this and don't take out frustration on the dog.

   

   

• Pet care is expensive. If your finances won't match the need, it might be best to wait longer before investing in a pet. Low-cost spay and neuter clinics are available — Shenandoah Spay/Neuter Clinic in Harrisonburg is one, and another will open soon at the Augusta Regional SPCA.

   

   

• The honeymoon period will last plenty long as the young animal grows, but upon adulthood, too often the newness has worn off and dogs and cats are neglected or worse. Make sure the enthusiasm to add to your household will last. Whatever you do, you don't what a precious gift to end back up in the shelter cages.