I didn't really like how Bulbasaur was basically just given to Ash though.
Melanie told Bulbasaur to go with Ash, it agreed but wanted a battle first. Bulbasaur kinda was given to Ash.Bulbasaur wasn't given to Ash. He battled it.
However, it was very disrespectful when Bulbasaur tackled Misty in such a rough manner thinking it was going to harm Oddish when she would never do such a thing.