Pet present story needed vet views

I have been an avid Daily Herald reader for almost two decades and I can say that your Dec. 7 article - Smaller, less expensive pets more likely this Christmas by Vincent Pierri - was absolutely appalling. I am a veterinarian in DuPage County and have been practicing medicine for 24 years. I treat mainly dogs and cats in the Western suburbs, but I also see exotic pets, including pocket pets (hamsters, gerbils, rabbits and hedgehogs), birds and reptiles. I work with a local zoo and have experience in owning a fair number of pets myself over the years. One of the most important jobs of a veterinarian is to counsel families on the proper preventive care, feeding, housing and medical issues important to each species - preferably before they choose the pet. We as a profession are trying to extinguish the "disposable pet syndrome" so popular in our culture. Just because an animal is "cute on TV in the wild," does not mean it should be held captive in a cage with improper diets, no exercise or stimulation.

In our economic times, one must understand the financial obligation of providing the correct habitat for these animals and veterinary care for those pets when they become ill and stressed from improper handling. While the pet stores are trying to create a market for their business, an uninformed consumer can be detrimental to that business if the animal dies because of neglect or misinformation. Emotions run strong when a beloved pet dies. Shelters are becoming full and veterinary clinics are faced with higher number of euthanasia decisions with families when owners are not able to provide the care their pets need. Pets are a great responsibility, one that should not be taken lightly. They should not be given as gifts unless the intended has taken part in the decision. I would direct Mr. Pierri to contact some more reliable sources before he writes another article - perhaps a shelter or a veterinarian or two.

Elise Ciribassi

DVM, Carol Stream