Support OneGreenPlanet Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high quality content. Please support us! Support Us ‘Tis the season for holiday lights, delicious feasts, and gifts galore. On your list for Santa might be a Star Wars Lego set, a Barbie dream house, and maybe even a new puppy. But before you head out to your local pet shop or shelter to surprise the kids with a 12-week-old Labrador pup, consider that soon that ball of fluff will blossom into a 70-pound ball of energy – and a lifetime commitment. Here are the top five reasons you should think twice before adding a furry friend to your family for the holidays.