When my daughter was 5, I "gifted" her a cat. She'd wanted one every since she could understand what a cat is, but I made her wait until she was old enough to handle a cat gently. We went to the animal shelter on her birthday and she was matched to a kitten that fit her personality and energy level.

The two of them are laying here on the couch with me 10 years later taking an afternoon nap. They are inseparable at home, and he's been a great comfort to her over the last decade.

I think "gifting" a pet can go right.