But I’m Not So Sure About Dog Neutering…
“Snip… snip??” They’re going to do what to my… Dog, that ain’t right! What about all of the puppies I was going to sire? What about all of those great times wandering about the neighborhood unleashed?
Wait a minute, maybe if I can provide some good reasons why I should not be neutered, I can stop this crazy idea.
[a few minutes later]
After doing some reading, I found the following information about neutering.
Male dogs that have been neutered:
- Are often better behaved than their intact friends.
- Are less likely to roam.
- Are less likely to mark their territory around the house.
- Are less likely to have prostate problems as they age.
- Won’t get testicular cancer.
Wow… so maybe its time I rethink this. Since my human doesn’t let me wander by myself anyways, maybe it won’t be so bad. According to Abigail, the vet will give me some medicine so I’ll take a nap, and when I wake up, the procedure is done. As I get older, I can skip some of the health issues that that intact dogs could have.
I guess its time that I admit to myself, that having puppies really isn’t that important all, especially when you consider all of the dogs that are euthanized each year because they don’t have a home. If I really wanted a little brother or sister, there are lots of shelters around.
Okay, where do I sign up? Maybe being fixed isn’t such a bad thing after all. Thanks Abigail for helping me with what needs to be done.
From Chris: The last time I checked, Shadow doesn’t have any money. : ) The cost of neutering can vary depending on geographic region and veterinarian. However, for a Humane Society or low-cost clinic neutering can cost $45 – $135. Some regular animal hospitals charge $200 – $300 or more.
Sorry, but I don’t care how you package this, as a guy, I have a real tough time with this.
Actually, if I ever had a male dog, I most likely would have him neutered. I doubt I ever will though, cause in my opinion female dogs are generally so much smarter.
Sorry you had to get snipped, Shadow, but as long as there are so many extra pets, it’s probably for the best!
We had three of our foals at the horse rescue gelded just before thanksgiving. They are all friendly little guys, easy to catch and love attention. The first couple of times I worked with them after the procedure, however, they wanted nothing to do with me! Poor little guys though I was going to try and snip them again.
I think low cost spay/neuter programs are a great way to reduce the number of unwanted pets. I lived in Chicago for several years and several of the big shelters there have great spay/neuter programs that have been pretty effective in reducing the number of unwanted cats and dogs in the city. As for horses, Front Range Equine Rescue has a great Stop The Backyard Breeder Program where they will actually reimburse part of the cost when you have your horse gelded. We need more programs like this!
Mary
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