[QUOTE=patriciaf0417;3974570]Thank you all for your comments! I realy appreciate it! I did not know about pyometra so that is something I am concerned about now too. It is a very difficult decision and I keep going back and forth on what to do. Of course I do not want her to get cancer or an infection but I just would hate myself if I put her under and she had a problem with anesthesia. She is the best girl in the world and I just could not take it. I have called around to many vets and will see if I really feel comfortable with someone. Thank you so much for your replies again. This forum really is a great find!
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I don't think there are any loving pet owners that have not had the fears you describe, especially owners of small breed dogs. However, the benefits of spaying your little girl far out weigh and dangers of a routine surgery. I once owned a beautiful little Maltese puppy. When she was 6 months old she went into her first heat and nearly died of polymetra. She was the first dog I had ever owned on my own and I new nothing about the disease. I had planned on getting her spayed at about 8 or 9 months of age. Since then I have always tried to spay before the first heat. With Gracie I had to wait because she was small but she got through her first heat without a hitch. I was watching her like a hawk through the whole thing. I was so concerned about a repeat occurrence.
Find a vet you can have confidence in and talk to him/her about it. I'm sure it will help you with your decision making process.