This Morning viewers were left astounded on Thursday after being told a PUPPY had been given as a Secret Santa gift.
Little Elf, 20 weeks old, was given from one unidentified friend to another as a Secret Santa gift – but the recipient just wasn’t ready for a dog and handed him over to the Dogs Trust.
Holly and Phil couldn’t hide their shock at anyone ever thinking an animal was an appropriate present for Secret Santa.
They interviewed Dogs Trust worker Maria Wicks, who cared for Elf after he was given up.
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She explained: “It’s unbelievable. We got a call a couple of weeks ago from the owner who had gone to a Christmas party, bought a Secret Santa for a friend, and then opened their gift to find it was a small spaniel puppy.
“As gorgeous as he is, the owner thought about it overnight, gave us a ring and said they weren’t ready for a puppy and could we take him and help him find a forever home.”
Phil simply said: “What a thick thing to do.”
Maria agreed and said it “amazes” the Dogs Trust every year what reasons people have for giving up their puppies, including one owner who said their dog “didn’t match the furniture” so had to go.
“Absolutely unbelievable reasons,” she said, adding: “But there are also good reasons and, of course, we are here for everybody.”
Maria emphasised she’d rather owners contact the Dogs Trust if they can no longer care for their dogs, so the dogs can find new homes.
She also stressed they do not judge about reasons for giving up a dog.
“Most of our dogs really enjoy kennel life so they will come to us, be cared for by our canine carers, and then be rehomed,” said Maria.
“In the case of Elf, he understandably found it all quite overwhelming so went into a foster carer’s home for a couple of weeks and has been having a great time there.
“When we speak to potential owners, we say, ‘have you really thought about this breed of dog and how it will fit into your lifestyle?’ and we can pick the best homes for our dogs.
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There was a happy ending for Elf, however, as he has now been rehomed and is doing well.
Viewers, however, took to social media to express their disgust that anyone would think an animal makes an appropriate Secret Santa gift.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.