Why spay / neuter?

Pets that are spayed (female) and neutered (male) live longer and are healthier, better socialized pets.  Sterilization prevents many serious diseases such as testicular cancer in male pets and breast cancer in females. Neutered male pets are less likely to roam and spray/mark their territory around the house.  Spayed female pets avoid going into a heat in which they can be noisy and attract males.  By getting your pet spayed or neutered, you will also be doing your part to help reduce pet overpopulation.  Each year, between 4-5 million pets are euthanized simply because there is not enough room at shelters.

For more information on pet spay and pet neuter, an excellent resource is at: http://www.petfinder.com/pet-health/why-spay-or-neuter.html

Facts about pet spay and neuter

Did you know...

• Millions of healthy cats, dogs and other pets are euthanized in the U.S. each year.
• On average, about 65% of animals that end up in shelters are euthanized.
• Purebred animals account for about 30% or more of homeless pets at shelters.

"Fixed" pets are healthier.

• They live longer, healthier lives.
• They have fewer health problems, including some that are serious.
• Females do not get uterine or ovarian cancer and have fewer occurrences of breast cancer.
• Males do not get testicular cancer and have fewer occurrences of prostate disease.

"Fixed” pets are more sociable.

• They are more affectionate.
• They are less likely to spray and mark territory.
• They do not go into a heat cycle, during which females can cry and attract males.
• They have fewer behavior and temperament problems.
• They are less likely to roam, run away or get into fights.

You know what they say about rabbits . . .

• Pet rabbits need "fixing" too!
• Altering rabbits can reduce behaviors such as lunging, mounting, spraying, and boxing.
• Spaying can prevent ovarian, mammarian and uterine cancers in females.

For more information, visit The Humane Society of the United States website at www.hsus.org and the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org.

Click here for one of America’s largest directories of low-cost Spay/Neuter directories.

Rabbit spay/neuter

Rabbits reproduce like ... well, like rabbits!  If you have a pet rabbit, they should be spayed/neutered just like any other pet.  Be sure you locate a veterinarian who is experienced at rabbit sterilization since many are not.  Rabbits are very delicate and need special care when being anesthetized.  Get a referral from a rabbit rescue group or from friends/family who have rabbits.  Ask the veterinarians how many rabbit sterilizations they have performed.

Getting your pet rabbit spayed or neutered will help them live longer and avoid certain cancers (ovarian, uterine, mammarian for females).  Rabbits that have been sterilized are also better companions, calmer, more loving and less prone to aggressive and destructive behavior. They are also easier to litter train.  For more information, go to http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/spay-neuter.html

BJ's Story

July 13, 2007
BJ PROVES NEUTERING DOESN'T "ALTER" A PET’S MANHOOD
By Linda Wasche

Some guys refuse to get their male pets “altered.” I learned this first hand from what wives or girlfriends say to their husbands or significant others when the guys want to buy our neuter-promoting products. The guys like our NOOTERS CLUB® t-shirts because they think they are funny. The wives say no because how can you buy a t-shirt promoting neutering when Oscar is at home still intact?

What’s up, guys? Afraid that you -- I mean your pet – will lose its masculinity?

Well, I have living proof that neutering a male pet does NOT in any way alter his manhood.

The proof is in my four-year old orange tabby named BJ (yes that is his real name!). BJ was rescued from a busy street after he had been hit by a car. That was after he had his belly filled with buckshot by someone who didn’t like cats. For this “Rambo,” getting neutered was nothing. And in every way, shape and form, BJ reminds us each and every day that he is still quite a man.

The moment I walk in the door in the evening, BJ wants to know what is for dinner. He doesn’t stop asking until his dinner is served to him. Then he looks at it, says a few words (chicken again?) and walks away, only to return when he feels like it.

When I am in the kitchen, BJ wants my undivided attention and has to find out what I am doing. If I am mixing a salad, he has to see what I am putting in into it. Making soup? BJ has to stand next to the stove.

BJ owns the most comfortable chair in the house and spends the majority of his time there. So much in fact that he has left a permanent outline of his body in the foam rubber cushion. When the chair was sent to be reupholstered, BJ curled up in the empty space on the living room carpet, sulking and lamenting its return.

BJ still likes girls. In fact, he sleeps with two different girl friends. Depending on the night of week or his mood, its playful Lily or quiet sultry Emma. He loves them both.

So, guys, as you can see, you have nothing to be afraid of. Neutering will not take the manhood away from your pet. It will, however reduce the chance of testicular and other cancers. It will add years to your pet’s life and make him less likely to wander.

As you can see, BJ is still one of the guys. He is demanding, territorial and likes variety in his women. He also loves his toys which he leaves all over the house. Especially his favorite -- one of my under wire bras.

Linda Wasche is president of NOOTERS CLUB® apparel and gifts promoting spay and neuter with fundraising and promotional programs for rescues, veterinarians and pet supplies retailers. Reach her at .