[107barney]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

You are absolutely correct in that what's right for one person's dog isn't for another. You have to make choices based upon what you feel is correct, safe, healthy, best for your dog. Some people will insist that not spaying is okay and healthy - some will insist the opposite.

Hormones play HUGE parts in our bodies, and we *should* all be concerned about removing these very important chemicals from our dogs...it's valid to question and explore this common practice and wonder if it's indeed the best solution for our pets' health. It should always be okay and acceptable to question the norm. My gosh, if we were told to remove our own uteri due to the chance of illness, can you imagine? I really can't see removing my own organs to prevent a potential illness, unless absolutely necessary.

For me, I've chosen to spay/neuter my pets mostly due to chances of adding to the overpopulation of dogs. I don't want to take the chance of adding to it. I also did it for potential behavior issues. I did not, in any way shape or form, do it solely to prevent a potential illness.

My sister is a physician and she chose not to s/n her pets bc of the important role hormones play in our bodies and our health. The only real downside for her has been she can't have other male dogs in the house bc then hers will mark...he doesn't mark if there are no other male dogs present.

It's a great reason to spay/neuter just for what you said alone. Overpopulation. I did it for this reason and also for the prevention of certain disease.