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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 20, 2008 - 35 Shelter knows the benefits of altering pets T he decision to alter a pet goes well beyond keeping the pet population down. What, for some people is a difficult decision, can have significant impact on your animal and the local pet community. At any given time of year, one trip to the Oakville and District Humane Society should resolve any concerns you may have about the importance of spaying and neutering. "More than 5,000 animals a year find themselves at the shelter requiring care," said Heather White, Community Outreach and Education Manager at the Oakville and District Humane Society. "Not all of them are due to pet overpopulation, but we are the last hope for the ones that are." Many times throughout the year and in particular the spring, the shelter is inundated with cats. Pregnant mother cats, new litters and stranded kittens, all require care. Dogs are also brought to the shelter, but in much less significant quantity. Without the support of foster families volunteering their time and dedicated staff, if would be difficult to care for these animals at the shelter. "As a charitable organization we rely on the support of the community to operate," said White. "During the busiest times of the year it becomes almost impossible to do all that we need to do on a daily basis." "Spaying and neutering would have such a significant impact on the community and their shelter. People may not be aware of how important it is to take this responsibility seriously." As a resource for the community, the shelter staff often answers questions about altering pets. Pet owners express concern about their animal becoming fat and lazy, that they'll miss out on having just one litter, that the miracle of birth should be experienced by children in the family, or that it will impact the gender traits of their pet. The reality of altering is that the impact is not detrimental. Most pets get fat and lazy due to overfeeding and lack of exercise. The physical impact of altering a pet is insignificant. In fact, for females who have been spayed before their first heat, evidence shows that they are actually healthier having gone through the procedure. With either gender the animal will retain its natural instincts to protect and continue to demonstrate the personality traits developed through genetics and environment. Pets have no concept of sexual identity. Neutering and spaying will not change a pet's basic personality, nor will it cause the pet to suffer an emotional reaction. People tend to project their emotions onto animals. Pets are much more instinctive and deal with life day-to-day. Human emotions also interfere with the rationale of having a litter. Thoughts of cute little animals, easy pregnancies and the joy of birth cloud the reality of animals that may experience health risks associated with pregnancies and the extensive time and money required to support new litters. "It starts out as a great idea. One litter, kittens or puppies, that are sure to sell easily, a carbon copy of my favourite animal, what could go wrong?" said White. see this cycle every year," White said. Breaking the cycle begins with education and the Oakville and District Humane Society staff make every effort to deliver the message that spaying and neutering is important. "In the long term, costs of caring for a litter are much more significant than spaying and neutering your pet," said White. "Talk with your veterinarian to determine what is best for you and your pet." "The problem of pet overpopulation is perpetuated one litter at a time. It's every pet owner's responsibility to make an informed decision when considering spaying and neutering and to recogPET OF THE WEEK: Shamrock rescued himself by walk- nize the impact of their ing into the shelter. He is an ingenious fellow. For more informa- decision." tion on many of the animals available for adoption, visit Feline Flicks, a promowww.oakvillehumane.ca. tion to encourage adop"But then two months would like them to. tion, runs from now of pregnancy, in some Offspring do not have the through Oct. 17. An amazing starter kit cases, life-threatening same personality as their comes with each adoption deliveries and another two parents." months until the litter can "Frustration mounts and you are eligible to win be weaned can add up to and litters appear on the a great movie-oriented gift significant veterinary bills doorstep of the shelter. We basket. and food costs." 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