It was Christmas Day in the kennels ...

It's nearly that time of year you human beans call Christmas. Those of you with children, hands up how many have asked for a puppy? And hands up how many of you are going to get them one?

Before you do, there are some facts you need to be aware of. Perhaps you've seen those nice clean, fluffy bundles of fun on nice clean wood shavings or paper in big, brightly lit pet shops. What can possibly be wrong with buying one of those?

But can you honestly say you know where those puppies started out their lives? Honestly? This is a brilliant film made by caring human beans in America, all about puppy mills, or puppy farms as they're called in the UK. http://bit.ly/6l9qTM

And in case you think this is something that only happens in America, watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlJ5kYIl82Q and be prepared to weep. If you want to spend your money supporting this type of industry, then feel free to buy that pet shop puppy.

But instead, why not spare a thought for all my canine cousins who are behind bars in rescue centres everywhere. Take poor lovely Keanu http://bit.ly/78W5xh. He's been with the Dogs Trust for SIX YEARS. Now I'm a rescue dog, as those of you who've read my blog before will know. I spent less than 6 weeks in kennels and it was the worst time of my life. It totally shattered my faith in human beans, until ma maitresse came along and I persuaded her to adopt me. It's the reason I'm still very suspicious of strangers, even aggressive to them if I feel threatened.

Poor Keanu is wonderfully looked after by the nice people at Dogs Trust. But it's not home. We dogs love to have our own place, our own family, our own toys, a garden to play in. Now Keanu wouldn't be at all suitable for a home with children, he's much too nervous. But there are lots of dogs out there who would.

There are plenty of rescue places overflowing with dogs dying to be part of a loving family. If you have a particular breed in mind, you can even find a rescue society for that breed who can help you find one that's perfect for you. And don't forget older dogs – they make wonderful, loving companions and are a lot less trouble than a boisterous puppy.

If your children are old enough to ask for and take on the responsibility of dog ownership, they are old enough to watch the videos I've given you links to. Please show them to them. And then ask if they still want that puppy from a pet shop.