MENANDS, NY -- Look at that face, how could someone not want a little dog as a gift? Well, apparently someone didn't. So little Sadie now spends her days at a Humane Society instead of a home.

"We really strongly recommend against people just buying a pet for someone who doesn't know that they're getting it," said Brad Shear. "Especially if it's someone not in your household. And you're asking somebody to make a commitment for 15-20 years to this animal."

Shear is the Executive Director of the Menands and Hudson River Humane Society. He said the holidays can be a great couple of months to get a pet because people have time off.

"But you really have to think about all the traveling you're doing right now," said Shear. "Is there going to be someone to take care of that animal, are you going to bring an animal into your home and then leave for a week."

Still they're so cute, how can you resist? Well keep in mind, if you give a dog like Sadie here, you're giving the new owner an added expense.

"Veterinary care and food, all the things that go into to taking care of that animal for the rest of it's life. Really that one time gift is a longtime expense and commitment that you are giving to someone else," said Shear.

That said there are people who would love a dog or cat as a gift. So, how do you know for sure without ruining the surprise? Shear has a plan for you all wrapped up.

"Buy something like a stuffed dog or a stuffed cat and present it to them and say, 'this sort of represents an animal that I will pay the adoption fee for for you, we can go down to the humane society together, and you can pick out your own pet if that's what you want,'" said Shear.

That way, pets like Sadie get a new owner this holiday. And a home for life.