Ed, being the owner of four female dogs — my “kids” — I want to relay this message to parents whose kids are asking for dogs for Christmas. Parent, please think twice about this. Puppies are like infants, it takes them about three weeks to settle into a new home. There are so many throw-away pets after Dec. 25. If you can’t handle the responsibility, leave the puppies in the pet stores for the people who really want them. Happy holidays to everyone.

Puppy Love

I’ll add one thing: If someone says he DOESN’T want a dog, don’t buy him one anyway!—Ed. Note