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It's better to have one
litter first. |
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Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the
evidence
shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many
veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check
with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.
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My children should
experience the miracle of birth. |
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Even if children are able to see a pet give birth—which is
unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion—the lesson they will
really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults.
Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life and
that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others. |
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But my pet is a purebred. |
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So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal
shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats—mixed breed
and purebred. |
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I want my dog to be
protective. |
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Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to
protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and
environment than by sex hormones. |
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I don't want my male dog or
cat to feel like less of a male. |
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Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering
will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of
emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered. |
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But my dog (or cat) is so
special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like
her. |
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A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't mean her
offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow
generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out
of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an
entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her
mate's) worst characteristics. |
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It's too expensive to have
my pet spayed or neutered. |
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The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and
age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. But
whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost—a
relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. It's a bargain compared
to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter;
two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can
add up to significant veterinary bills and food costs if complications develop.
Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and
the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets. |
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I'll find good homes for all
the puppies and kittens. |
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You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home
you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters who need good
homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have
his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem
of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time. |
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