My daughter wants either a kitten or a puppy for Christmas but I don't have enough money for one of those expensive animals from breeders that aren't healthy at all! Does anyone in South Kansas City have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy or a Sphinx kitten I could buy before Christmas? Also, I don't know where the nearest place is that sells wild oats ( I've got a farm to take care of ). If you could help me out with that too it'd be great!
Have you considered a mixed breed shelter pet? I have adopted two of my pets from Animal Haven in Merriam, but I'm sure that you could find one closer to you.
If you want a quality pure-bred pet, it will take some time to locate a good, responsible breeder (not a puppy mill or a backyard breeder), and then they will want to check you out to make sure you are a good home. If they are not interested in asking questions about you and the kind of pet owner you will be, then they are probably not a responsible breeder.
To find a quality pure-bred puppy or kitten before Christmas is probably not possible. In fact, many breeders will not sell you a puppy or kitten a few days before Christmas because it is often these 'impulse' dogs and cats that end up in shelters. You can also expect to pay several hundred dollars at a minimum.
I would explain to your daughter that a puppy or a kitten is a big responsibility, and a committment to that animal for the rest of its life. If you don't have enough money to buy an expensive animal from a breeder, how are you going to afford food, vet care, obedience training, toys, a kennel, etc. Pets are not cheap. If you can afford these things, but not the cost of purchasing a dog or cat, consider going with your daughter to a shelter to pick out a homeless animal - that can certainly be a teaching moment. There are also a number of pure-breed rescues. Take a look at petfinder.com - it has lots of serach options to find the perfect pet for your family.
I know someone who has a cat (not a kitten) they need to find a home for AND I know someone who has a chihauhau they are fostering and also need to find a home for.
If you're interested, email me privately and I'll give you the contact info.
For the oats, "google" what you're looking for + your zip code and the closest retailer will appear.
We got one of our dogs from the shelter in Ottawa. Shelter pets are just a good or better than a pure bred. Check Wayside Waifs website, sometimes they have pure breds too. Both of our dogs are purebreds but both were adopted...one from a shelter and one from a family. Good Luck and God Bless.
