Dog and cats, sometimes given as a gift, can often end up here are gift givers had not done their research or new owners were not up to the task of taking on such a responsibility.

It is a timely reminder that a pet is a friend for life, and it is not often a good idea to gift them as a gift, particularly if the recipient is not aware.

The result of this can often be that animals are abandoned – at best, at an animal shelter, but at worst, on the side of the road or even at the tip.

Lithgow Animal Shelter currently has multiple residents who would make a great pet for anyone seriously considering adding to their family, including the two pictured today in the Lithgow Mercury.