How much is that doggie in the window...

I was in San Francisco today, and was walking back to my car from a visit to Leland's Fly Shop (on Bush Street) and passed by the Macy's store at Union Square.  In an otherwise sparse Christmas shopping crowd I noticed a crowd on the sidewalk. What gives? I soon saw that the San Francisco SPCA had puppies for adoption in several of the windows. People were looking, ooohing and aaawing.  Cute puppies.

I could not help but stop and think, "How many of these puppies will be adopted, and by whom? Will they have proper homes, or will they be back at the shelter in 6 months?"

I cannot fault the SF SPCA and Macy's for their desire top help dogs. But I wonder if presenting these animals as Christmas toys for the children of indulgent parents is the right thing for the puppies. Dogs are not disposable in the way that Christmas toys are... to be put up or given away when the fun wears off.  I am hoping that serendipity comes to the aid of these little pups and provides a loving and responsible home for each of them, but my skepticism tells me that they won't all win the lottery of life.