Uh-oh. The holidays are fast approaching, your child is at the age where she knows what it means, and she's already making wish-lists. And the wish you feared the most is the one at the top. She wants, she craves, she'll die if she doesn't get-a Christmas puppy! Whatever fears you harbored about preparing for the Magical Morning just got magnified, ten-fold. As if your life isn't hectic enough, your angel now wants to add an eating-pooping-barking machine to the household.

You want to please your child during this, the first holiday season she'll probably remember, but you know-you really do know-that a puppy for a small child isn't the best plan for Christmas day. Especially for the puppy.

Millions of families go through the same gyrations every year. Many families go ahead and bring a new puppy-or cat, or bird, or fish-into their homes on Christmas morning. And every year, a large percentage of them wind up taking their pets to animal shelters a few weeks later, realizing that they've made a mistake.

A puppy-or a cat, for that matter-isn't like a new doll. It can't be hidden in a closet until the moment of surprise, and it can't be played with for a few minutes, and then put back in its box, until tomorrow. A puppy's first day with its new family is a traumatic time; it's been removed from everything familiar and brought to new surroundings. To put it at ease, a new puppy requires constant quiet, soothing attention-something probably in short supply on Christmas morning in a household with a small child.

A new pet can be a great gift for a child, during a less stressful and busy time of the year, but a lot of preparation is recommended. A child needs to be taught that any pet requires a great deal of care, attention, and training. Is your child ready for that responsibility?

Is your daughter allergic to dogs? You should schedule a visit with an allergist, before you bring home a puppy.

What breed of dog does your child want? There are many breeds-even large-dog breeds-which are great with small kids. And there are other breeds-even small-dog breeds-which are too hyper-active or nervous to be left with small children. A veterenarian can offer great first-hand advice about what kind of dog to choose.

In order to avoid the hassles of house-breaking, you might want to look at an older dog-one that has a history of good behavior around children. Many local animal shelters can notify you, if they take in such a pet.

Do you have room in your home and room in your yard for a dog? Many breeds require a great deal of exercise for their physical and mental well-being. On the other hand, there are even certain large breeds which exercise very little.

For the sakes of your child and your puppy, take the time to do research before you act. A puppy can grow into a valued family member which will bring joy to every member of your household.

If you've decided that fulfilling your child's wish for a pet is the course to take, consider this-instead of hiding a puppy in the garage until Chrismas morning, give your daughter a picture of a puppy, from Santa, along with a promise to help her choose her new friend, after the holidays. Your sanity-and your puppy-will thank you.