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Myth: My pet will
get fat and lazy.
Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy
because their owners feed them too much and don't give
them enough exercise.
Myth: It's better
to have one litter first.
Fact: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite.
In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before
their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians
sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age.
Myth: My children
should experience the miracle of birth.
Fact: 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. If you really
want them to see the miracle of birth then have them watch
Animal Planet!
Myth: But my pet is
a purebred.
Fact: 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 and purebred alike.
Myth: I want my dog
to be protective.
Fact: 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.
Myth: I don't want
my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.
Fact: 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.
Myth: But my dog (or
cat) is so special. I want a puppy (or kitten) just like
him/her.
Fact: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't
mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. In fact, an
entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all
of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.
Myth: It's too expensive
to have my pet spayed or neutered.
Fact: 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; particularly 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.
Myth: I'll find good
homes for all the puppies and kittens.
Fact: You may find good 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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