Dogster

return to top

~Maggie's Marvelous Mumbles~

I have cancer

I have been diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma in November. My Mommy and family were soooo upset. Me, I just had these bumps on my skin that got on my nerves, but otherwise, I feel fine. I really don't understand what all the fuss is about.

Last month I got my first does of Lomusine and it made my tummy hurt for a few days, and Mommy has been feeding me all this yummy stuff, so I guess that is ok.

Last week I went in for a check up, and the doc didn't think it was working. Mommy was so very sad. My family was just so sad, I didn't understand. Mommy was trying to be happy around me, but I still sensed something was wrong.

Yesterday, I had GRRRRRRRRRReat news! We went back to visit the doc again and it seems like the medicine just took longer then expected to work! It's WORKING! YAY!!! Those nasty bumps are going away!!!!!!

Oh my gosh I am so very happy my people are more chipper!!!!!!

Love,
Maggie

Please Spay and Neuter ALL your Fur Kids!

Hello everyone! It's me, Maggie, the fabulous rescued Lab mix! (That's RIGHT! I said rescued! I was rescued as a youngin' from a shelter. There are so many just like me needing to be rescued out of shelters, bad situations, puppy mills, you name it!) I've decided to write my very first entry about something that is very important to my Mommy. Spaying and Neutering all your precious fur babies! My other brothers and sisters have chatted and they've decided to write their first entry on this subject because it is SO important too! Yay! Now, why would I be writing about something that is so well known you say? Well, in actuality, Mommy says that many people decide to look the other way or not notice either intentionally or unintentionally. Yep, that's right! So, I'd like to just give a bunch of info. out there to help people save the lives of other pups and pets just like me because my Mommy is a rescuer and she can't do it alone. She works really hard at trying to educate the public and animal lovers alike about the importance of spaying and neutering because the over population of pets is very very scary and very very sad. We must do something about this! My furry buddies are suffering, so spread the word! Get involved, save a stray, rescue a poor critter down on their luck, or just donate your time to a shelter or rescue. If you need any help doing so, please feel free to ask my Mommy, she LOVES to help people get involved in this important cause. Now, before I start talking about biscuits, bones, and snoring, I better put all this information I need to in here cause I NEED to get a snack and catch some zzzzzz's! :-)

Here are some very valuable facts about Spaying and Neutering your pets. If you want even more information, please feel free to send me a message and I'll be sure that my Mommy writes you back in a wag of a tail!:

Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering



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 now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.

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.

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 breed and purebred.

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 her.

FACT: 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.

MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

FACT: 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.

MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.

FACT: 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.



What do "spay" and "neuter" really mean?
Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size, and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with you the best age at which to sterilize your pet.

Spaying or Neutering Is Good for Your Pet

Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.
Spaying or Neutering Is Good for You

Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.
Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.
Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.
Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.
Spaying and Neutering Are Good for the Community

Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals.
Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.
Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.
Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife.
Fix That Bunny!

When being conscientious about the pet overpopulation, don’t forget to spay or neuter your pet rabbit. Altering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting, spraying, and boxing. Spaying females can prevent ovarian, mammarian, and uterine cancers, which can be prevalent in mature does. Also, rabbits reproduce faster than dogs or cats and are the third-most surrendered animal to shelters.

Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when one considers its benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.





Spaying and Neutering Facts
Making the choice to spay or neuter a pet is sometimes difficult for some people because of the many misconceptions associated with these simple surgeries. Far too many people believe the myths they have heard regarding companion animals, their reproduction, and spaying and neutering. Pets who are not spayed or neutered not only face potential health and behavior problems, they can also become a part of the bigger, serious problem of overpopulation.

The overpopulation of dogs and cats is a tragedy resulting in the suffering and premature death of millions of companion animals every year. Dogs and cats reproduce at such an alarming rate, there simply are not enough proper homes for the millions of surplus animals born every year.

It may seem difficult to see your connection to overpopulation, but if your dog or cat is not yet spayed or neutered, you are potentially part of the problem. An animal who is spayed or neutered is an animal who cannot get pregnant or impregnate another, even if that animal accidentally slips out of a home and becomes a stray. Solving the overpopulation problem requires the cooperation of all pet owners to do their part to fulfill all of the requirements of a responsible pet owner--including controlling their reproduction through spaying or neutering.

Every pet owner makes the choice to be part of the problem or part of the solution to overpopulation. Consider the following facts to help you make the choice:

Reproduction. Through the process of domestication, cats and dogs have changed in many important ways, including their reproductive cycles. Companion animals reproduce by instinct, not emotion. Instinct tells animals, through chemical connections, to propagate for the survival of the species. In the wild, the balance in nature dictates how often a species will reproduce. But because dogs and cats are no longer part of a wild ecosystem, this basic instinct is not only out of place, but it's out of balance as well. This imbalance leads to reproduction cycles that are not held in check by nature, resulting in far too many dogs and cats born for the number of "responsible" homes available.
Female Cats and Dogs. Female cats and dogs can reproduce as early as 6 months of age. The "heat" cycle for a female cat can recur up to 4 times per year and can be very aggravating for the cat owner and uncomfortable for the cat. Female dogs go through a "heat" cycle up to twice per year. During this time, both female cats and dogs will emit odors that can lure males from miles away, and may even try to escape to breed. Wandering male cats or dogs may fight and mark territory outside of your home as long as your female is in heat or not yet spayed. If impregnated, litter sizes may vary from 2 to 10 kittens or 2 to 20 puppies. This presents the even bigger problem of finding good homes for each of the offspring and making sure that each kitten or puppy (along with the parent animal) is spayed or neutered to prevent further births.
Male Cats and Dogs. Male cats and dogs are capable of reproducing as early as 6 months of age. Males do not go through a heat cycle like females--they are capable of reproducing at any time. At six months old, maturing males often begin to develop behavior problems associated with their hormones; behavior problems that can develop into lifelong habits. They can be become territorial and begin marking their territory by spraying strong smelling urine inside your home. Also, some males may become overly dominant or aggressive. In the search for females in heat, males may try to escape outside the safety of the home and yard. While loose, not only do they face countless dangers, but they are also nuisances and threats in the community. They could sustain injuries which may be life-threatening, and costly to treat. Of course, they may also impregnate females.
The Surgery. Spaying and neutering are safe, one-time, common operations performed by a veterinarian to prevent an animal from reproducing. The spay surgery (for females) is called and ovariohysterectomy. This is a removal of the ovaries, oviducts, uterus and cervix. The neuter surgery (for males) is called an orchidectomy, or castration. During the operation, the testicles, epididymis and spermatic cord are removed.
Cats and dogs can be safely spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks of age. However, these surgeries can be done at any age depending on the health of the animal. During the surgery, the animal is under complete anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 20 to 60 minutes, and, in most cases, the animal is able to go home the same day. Most animals recover so quickly, they're back to normal behavior within a few hours. The sutures, or stitches, should be removed after 7-10 days.
Behavior Benefits. Spaying and neutering at the earliest recommended age can help to prevent annoying problems such as territorial marking, dominance, aggression, and roaming instincts.
Health Benefits. Spaying and neutering can prevent serious and costly health problems. Females run a great risk of contracting uterine, ovarian, and mammary cancer as well as life-threatening pyometra (inflammation of the uterus). Males are prone to testicular cancer and prostate problems. Spaying or neutering your pet will prevent these problems by up to 90%. Your pet will be healthier, have a better chance of living much longer, and cost less money in veterinary bills in the long run.
Make the Right Choice...Spay or Neuter Your Pet!


Did You Know?
Facts About Spaying or Neutering your Pets

Two unaltered cats and all their offspring can number an astounding 420,000 in 7 years.
Two unaltered dogs and their offspring can number 67,000 in 6 years.
Every day in the United States, more than 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. When this number is compared to 10,000 human births each day, it is clear that there can never be enough homes for all these pets.
Each year more than 12,000,000 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are left at animal shelters around the country.
Nearly, 8,000,000 have to be euthanized because there are not enough homes for all of them.

Spayed and neutered dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
Spaying female dogs and cats eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before the first estrous cycle.
Neutering male dogs reduces the incidence of prostrate cancer and prostate disorders.

Spayed and neutered pets are better, more affectionate companions.
Neutered cats are less likely to spay and mark territory.
Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates its heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to twelve days, often twice a year, in dogs, and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to bite. Unaltered animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those that have been spayed or neutered.
Neutered males are less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.
-The Humane Society of the United State

Be a responsible animal care taker and Spay and Neuter! They'll live a long time lovin' you for it!!