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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday December 16, 2006 - 15 Keep pets off Christmas list Give the Gift of Dancing & Start the Year Off on the Right Foot! Gift certificates available in any denomination or purchase separate 8 week semi-private or private lessons NEW GROUPS STARTING: (PARTNERS WELCOME BUT NOT REQUIRED) H e's making a list, he's checking it twice, and one thing's for sure pets are always nice, but when it comes to gift giving it's best to keep giving a pet off of your list at this time of year. In the rush of the Christmas season people are often challenged to find time for existing household pets. Considering the number of activities going on, the volume of people coming and going from homes, trips out of town and out of country, and the lack of energy that comes with the season, it makes sense to put off bringing a new pet into any home at this time of year. Puppies and kittens in particular need positive experiences coming into a new home. Spontaneous decisions made in pet stores are quickly met with the stark reality of the responsibilities associated with caring for a busy young animal. "Any living animal is a big commitment," said Heather White, Community Outreach and Education Manager at the Oakville & District Humane Society. "Without the proper research into the right pet for your living situation you could make a wrong choice with a disastrous outcome for both the animal and the recipient if you've made the pet a gift." To avoid disappointment, wrap up a present TUESDAY, JANUARY 2ND 7-9PM 4 Week Amateurs Competitive Couples - Technique Group TUESDAY, JANUARY 9TH 8-9PM 8 Week Beginner Latin - Cha Cha, Rumba & Swing FRIDAY, JANUARY 12TH 7-8PM PET OF THE WEEK: This handsome that the family can enjoy in anticipation of the day when they will get a pet. Place an item under the tree that a new pet will need or provide the family with helpful resources that will help the family make an informed decision in the New Year. Magazines like Dog's Annual are an invaluable resource for families seriously considering a dog. If you know they would like to consider adopting a shelter animal, consider making a donation in their name. Pick up dog novelties in the shelter's store and know that your gift is giving aid to animals in need. "We would like all of our shelter pets to have a home for Christmas, but we also know the dangers of seasonal impulse buying," added White. "The shelter will be interviewing for adoptions during the week leading up to Christmas, but none of the animals will be going to homes until after Boxing Day." For more alternatives to making a live animal a present this Christmas, contact the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905-845-1551. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society. fellow is called Santa. He arrived at the shelter as a stray in August and was extremely underweight and had a healed broken jaw. His jaw is crooked but it didn't stop him from gaining weight once we started feeding him a high-quality food. Santa is approximately two years old and is now ready for a home to call his very own. 8 Week Beginner Ballroom - Foxtrot, Tango & Waltz DATES TO BE SET · 8 Week Beginners & Intermediate Biennese Waltz · 8 Week Intermediate Argentine Tango Harvester Rd. For more info contact 905-681-0128 5100 South Service Road, Unit 14 .S e rvice Rd. Appleby Line SPACE AGE SHELVING The Storage Specialists In Home Consultation Apa me s Ap rtments par men Hom Offi es Home O fice ome fi Pant y Pa try at Garag Garage ra Laundry La nd y a C set Clos ts & Mirror Doors t Mr Mi ror 3350 Fairview Street between Walkers & Guelph Line 905-333-1322 2555 Erin Centre Mississauga 905-542-0353 www.spaceageshelvingburlington.com www.spaceageshelving.ca Fairview St. Let's Dance Burlington & The Burlington Social Club S Burloak Dr.