Dear Labby: gifts & puppy announcements

Dear Labby,

My wife says you need to send a present when you receive a "New Puppy" announcement from a friend. I say hogwash. Who's right?

Signed:

Dog Acquisition Necessitates Gift?

D.A.N.G., what will they think of next? New lawn mower notice? Disposable camera obituary? Hey... isn't this why they invented Twitter? I'm guessing the announcement was sent simply to share the joys around housetraining and newly chewed shoes. Or maybe it was an excuse to show a photo of the new pup in an argyle sweater in front of his state-of-the-art doghouse.

That said, you know your greedy little acquaintances better than I do. Maybe they're hoping for load of free plush toys. If you think some sort of acknowledgement is in order, make a donation in Toto's honor to your favorite animal rescue group or local humane society and leave it at that.

Got a petiquette question for Dear Labby? Email dearlabby@dogtime.com

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	My husband and I don't have kids. And Yes I sent out an adorable new puppy announcement when we got our Bessy this year. Mostly because my family lives out of state and what friends I sent it to where we live loved it! I just wanted to show how happy we were to add a new member to our "family". I never thought getting a gift. 6 months ago by Anonymous
	hogwash is right. But if you're paying the new parent a visit, they will more than appreciate a chew toy. almost 2 years ago by Anonymous
	I have no intention of having any children...my dogs are my kids. They are also expensive (they have many health issues, and with these "pre-existing" conditions, they only qualify for ridiculously expensive pet insurance). I say if you're going to send a gift for a new baby, why not send one for a new dog? It is offensive to those of us that choose NOT to have kids that we are expected to front gifts that will never be reciprocated. So unfair. almost 2 years ago by Anonymous
	I like the donation gift for a new puppy. That's a good one. I'll have to start spreading the word. over 2 years ago by Anonymous

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