A dog is for life, not just for Christmas

It is estimated that, every December, £1.2 billion is spent on unwanted gifts, and around three million tonnes of waste are produced. Dogs Trust is urging people to make sure dogs aren't a part of this. Despite decades of Dogs Trust campaigning against dogs being given as gifts at Christmas time, each year hundreds of dogs and puppies are still presented as gifts. Many of these gifts' are subsequently abandoned when the novelty wears off and their owner realises just how much work and commitment is involved in caring for a dog.

While many abandoned dogs are left by their owners to fend for themselves, one dog, Charlie, was one of the lucky ones as, despite suffering terrible cruelty, he was found dumped in a bag outside a Hartlepool police station in February 2005. He was just a few months old, and had been a Christmas present but was abandoned when the novelty had worn off. Sadly, he had sustained injuries in his short life that meant he had to have one of his back legs amputated.

He was brought to Dogs Trust Darlington where he became a real favourite with staff and volunteers and he soon found a home with Mr and Mrs O'Brien Mr O'Brien said: "Charlie has been the most amazing dog. When we heard about his background we knew we had to welcome him into our family.

He has so much love to give considering he really hasn't had the best start in life. It makes us so sad to think that someone could cruelly disregard such a wonderful puppy at such a young age. We hope we have been able to reassure him that not all people are bad and that he is truly one of the family; an absolutely beautiful dog and we would not be without him."

The Dogs Trust Christmas campaign aims to raise awareness of the consequences of treating dogs as gifts or toys. Every year hundreds of thousands of children plead for the latest fad or top toy on the market, only to discard them a few weeks after Christmas when the novelty wears off.

Celebrity dog-lovers across the UK have jumped at the chance to lend their support to Dogs Trust: TV presenter Dermot O'Leary
"I would never, ever, think of buying a dog as a present at Christmas.

I have supported Dogs Trust for many years and find it really sad that hundreds of dogs are abandoned post-Christmas after the novelty factor wears off.

Please don't buy a dog as a present unless you have really thought about what it will mean for you, and for the dog.

A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas."

Model & actress Lisa B
"Deciding to have a dog in your life is a very serious thing. It takes responsibility, thoughtfulness and caring.

It involves training and can be time-consuming on a par with having a child. It is something that depends on you for love, food, exercise, its general life necessities.

I believe a person should understand this before they consider taking on a pet as animals have feelings too although, sadly, without the ability to express them.

Although most people's intentions when giving a pet are good, they don't take into account the big picture and often people can't cope with the responsibility, leaving dogs or pets to be abandoned.

A pet should never be a gift, it should be a well thought out choice by the person who will be caring for them."

Comedian Paul O'Grady
"Having a dog is a big commitment and a lot of work so you need to think very seriously before getting one but if you give them loads of love and care they will be loyal and loving just like my Buster, Louis and Olga.

Just remember, A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas."

Fashion designer Bruce Oldfield
"Dogs or puppies should not be thought of as fashion accessories or given as trendy presents, as everyone knows fashions change.

Taking on a dog is a huge responsibility and I would never consider buying a dog as a Christmas present, which is why I am supporting Dogs Trust's A Dog is for Life' campaign."

Actress Joanna Taylor
"Our three dogs bring Danny Murphy, Charlton Athletic football player and me so much happiness and love and it is so upsetting to think that if they had been bought by someone as a thoughtless Christmas present, their lives might have been very different.

Without Dogs Trust so many dogs would stay homeless. Wouldn't it be much better to wait until after Christmas and, if having a dog still seems like a good idea, take a trip down there and give a good home to one of the poor puppies whose life was given the same respect as a toy that became boring.

Please, please think carefully about whether you can cope with the huge demands a dog makes on your life as it really is true that A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas."

TV presenter Wendy Turner-Webster >
"You'd have to be barking mad to buy a dog as a Christmas present.

It's a ruff deal for the dog and I'll hit the woof if I hear loads of people do it this year! How about a Donny Osmond CD instead Puppy Love?' For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk