Read this letter to Santa and think twice before you give someone a living animal!

Dear Santa

My name is Gift and I am a little puppy who is looking for a warm home and responsible owners. I will probably make a little mess at first, maybe I will leave bite marks on things– after all, there is nothing more interesting than chewing on your owner's slippers. As I am alive and still growing, I need good food to stay healthy and pretty, and when I fall ill, you will need to take me to the vet. My little legs need regular, long walks, which you will need to have time and patience for.

My beautiful and well-kept fur doesn't come naturally either – it needs to be looked after and brushed often, and I might also need a bath from time to time. I should also tell you that my fur is not for being pulled by little children, and the same goes for my little ears and tail.

Just like every other creature, if I want to be a wise and brave dog, I need to be cuddled, stroked and showed affection. I will compete for your attention, and I will not stand for being locked up alone for hours on end. A metal pen will not do either – I do not want to have to watch the world around me like my owners watch television. And after Christmas, I also do not want to end up on the rubbish pile next to a wilted Christmas tree and wrapping paper or in an animal shelter...

As you can see, Santa, I think I am a pretty troublesome and irritating little Gift, so please – DO NOT GIVE ME AS A PRESENT THIS CHRISTMAS! I will patiently wait for my new owners, who have thought it through and made the decision on their own. My cousin will make a much better gift – he never leaves a mess, does not need to eat or be taken out, likes to stay alone at home and does not require love – and, when your children grow bored of him, he will be content to sit in the toy box. He would also love to be become a gift and just can't wait for Christmas. Enclosed is his photograph.

Merry Christmas, Santa!