He's not kidding, Buster!
Stuart Derdeyn, The Province
Published: Sunday, November 12, 2006
I love Buster Kitten, so I'm chopping off his nuts. Even having a national news anchor call her "the cutest dog . . . ever" won't spare Stella Kowoofski spaying either.
There are those who argue this is tantamount to animal cruelty. What can you do? Idiots are everywhere.
But let the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) speak to the issue of why "responsible" pet owners should spay and neuter their animals.
"There is absolutely no good reason not to spay or neuter your animal, especially a dog or a cat or any smaller animals," says the CFHS's Tanya O'Callaghan.
"If you look at the animals that find their way into shelters and rescue organizations across Canada, certainly the number of unwanted animals due to irresponsible owners who allowed accidental pregnancies to happen is high."
I considered letting Stella have a litter for about 60 seconds. She was one of nine children. Just the thought of multiplying the amount of drippings and droppings she spouts nine times over was enough to add up to no breeding. And the world is full of strays in need of a warm bed and tenderness.
Just how many animals are in need is bleakly outlined in the CFHS's 2004 animal-shelter statistics:
- 37,774 dogs were admitted: 19 per cent were claimed by owners; 49.3 per cent were adopted out.
- 72,261 cats were admitted: 3.4 per cent were reclaimed; 45.1 per cent were adopted out.
- 16,838 other animals were admitted: Only 0.9 per cent of these were ever found by their owners; 27.8 per cent were adopted out.
That's thousands upon thousands of reasons not to let your pet contribute to an epidemic. That many of these wee beasties wind up euthanized is an even better case against any unwanted or misguided pregnancies.
By the time a dog or cat hits six months old, it can reproduce. Stella is five months, Buster is six months. They love each other. Fortunately, they haven't been able to make babies. Although Stella jumps on Buster's back a few times a day -- which is always a bit weird when she gets to grunting -- Buster only seems to mind when he's up against a corner.
Whatever floats your kibble, I guess.
Pets can do the deed as early as six to 12 weeks nowadays, so don't delay. If cost is a factor, check with your local shelters and rescue organizations. The Vancouver SPCA performs both neutering and spaying for around $45-60.
The cost to the planet -- and to you, personally -- for caring for a litter is far, far higher.
Stuart Derdeyn -- who has started telling others to "Have a nice spay!" -- writes about our furry friends occasionally for Unwind.