A pet is not a Christmas gift

Further to the article Foster carers needed to give pets a new chance of life (December edition). We are in favour of fostering rescued animals until a new permanent home is found. We do not, however, agree with the opening statement of the article: “If you are thinking of BUYING someone a pet for Christmas...”. One does not buy a pet like a Christmas present, especially not for children.

You cannot have it both ways – buying (from a breeder) and fostering. These two do not go together. If you are looking to give a cat or dog a good home, great, but why just for Christmas? And why buy one, when there are already far too many in shelters?

Louise and Eric MARR, Charente