As the holiday gift-giving season approaches, there are bound to be kids yammering for a dog or cat, guinea pig, or some other animal for a gift. Beware. This tends to happen most at Christmas and Easter, with either dogs and cats or, in the latter case, baby chicks and bunnies being the preferred pets on the request list.

Giving in to such clamoring cannot be done without careful thought and planning. Adopting a pet is not something that should be taken on in a moment of weakness or on a whim. To be sure, puppies, kittens, and baby chicks are irresistibly cute. Keep in mind, however, that they will grow up. While they are sure to keep their general physical characteristics, they will outgrow the “adorably cute” stage of their babyhood.