@SW-User Some feel very strongly about their pets. We don't even like calling our pups 'pets'. They are our companions or more often kids. Now, we are older folks, our human kids grown and with kids of their own, so MAYBE there's some empty nest stuff going on. BUt last summer we lost three pups inside of six weeks. One old age, one disease, last one broken heart. Mrs. Budwick and I were devastated. The house was so empty and quiet. No cold noses nuzzling us. No silly antics. No furry love. We immediately found new pups to love from the shelter. I think they appreciated the rescue - I know we did. And so, yes, they get Christmas gifts.