I know of a woman who had her head nearly decapitated by her dog, a lab. She had to put the dog to sleep. It was a very very sad situation. The dog was up in years and not neutered. I can't help but believe that if he had been neutered the situation would have not occurred. Maybe the dog had brain cancer? Maybe his testosterone levels were too elevated and he just went nuts? Maybe he just was sick of his owner coming home drunk? Maybe I shouldn't even be talking about the situation???
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When any dog or cat is not sterilized the owner takes a huge risk. Spaying/neutering can eliminate or reduce health problems that maybe very difficult or expensive to treat. For females, spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer. It also significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer. For males, neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease. Above all, serializing your pet allows them to live a happier/healthier life.
Vets tell us that sterilizing your pet makes them feel better, and also makes you pet more affectionate. Neutering your male cat makes them less likely to spray and mark territory. (trust me, you don't want a spraying cat!!) Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. A dogs period can last an average of 6 to 12 days, often occuring twice a year. A cats period can occur three or more times a year. A female during her heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
In addition, unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite. Sterilization makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.
Not to mention the amount of money your ccommunity spends to control unwanted animals!!!!!
I can argue overpopulation and necessary sterilization till I'm blue in the face. I feel like screaming at people who have not had their pet steralized. If you loved them, you will spay/neuter them. If you don't think there is a problem with overpopulation, go visit an animal shelter in your community... or go visit Dead Dog Beach in Puerto Rico, where you can watch hundreds of animals mate, and puppies die of starvation and disease! Or just check out the picture section on Island Dog.Org. Animals can't spay/neuter themselves. If you want them, take responsibility for them. Love them, spay/neuter them, and give them the opportunity to live a happy, healthy, and stress free life. kt
