Please Spay or Neuter

As many of you know, I am a pug lover, owner, and pug and pet gift business owner (and a former pet sitter). I am amazed at the number of dogs I encounter - pugs and all breeds - that are not neutered or spayed. What's up with this? The three main reasons I hear for not neutering or spaying are:

1. I can't afford it
2. If I neuter my male dog, he won't be manly anymore.
3. I didn't think anything could happen.

Okay, where to begin:

Neutering and spaying does not have to be expensive, folks! Many Humane Society branches and other shelters will spay and neuter at a lower cost. Not all veterinarians charge a huge fee to spay and neuter. In the final analysis, you can shop around and prevent an unwanted litter of puppies or kitties.

Regarding reason number 2, may I just say - a bigger load of rubbish I have never heard! This is purely a myth and one of huge proportions. Whether this is some leftover stereotypical propaganda of the 50s or what, I don't know. Trust me, your male dog will be happier and there is nothing manly about a male dog running upstreet and down alley impregnating every female within a 5 mile radius. Think about how many of those puppies will wind up in shelters and possibly be put down. How cruel is that? According to the Humane Society, more than three million unwanted dogs and cats in shelters are put to sleep each year.

Reason number 3 - all it takes is one time. If your female is not spayed and there's even one un-neutered male in the area, he'll find a way to make a date and she will find a way to rendezvous. You can't fight nature - and unless you are a responsible and professional breeder, you are actually being cruel to your pet. Even if you keep close watch on your dog or cat, you allow them to go through the heat cycle. It's analogous to being all dressed up and no place to go.

I urge every dog and cat owner out there to please, please neuter and spay your pets. If you need help finding a facility to do this at low cost, please email or call (913) 403-8009 me and I will be glad to help research your area.
Mary