Spay and Neuter

According to the Humane Society, "Four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year."

Of course you know that adopting from shelters is an important part of preventing so many deaths, but even more important is spaying and neutering your companion animals. I have a feeling that most people reading this are already on my side with this, but while reading some of the myths about spay/neuter, I realized that I was painfully uninformed.

What I did not know was that people believe some things that are not true, but if they were to bring them up to me, I'd have no solid way to respond. So knowing the facts is helpful, even though my three pals are already fixed.



That doesn't mean, however, that I haven't spoken to friends and neighbors about it, and I keep information on free and discount S/N programs to help those who feel that they can't afford the surgeries. Check out Spay USA or Friends of Animals for a list of veterinarians who participate.

If you want to get more involved, the Human Society's Spay Day is Feb. 22, 2011. Even if you're not a veterinarian or don't own a huge corporation to provide sponsorship, you can volunteer at or organize events and help spread the word.