Spaying and neutering have become a vital part of pet ownership to help eliminate the pet over-population crisis in addition to what health benefits may be derived from the removal of male/female hormone producing glands. However, neutering most definitely affects personality. If the spay is an ovariohysterectomy, not only is the uterus removed but also the ovaries which are responsible for producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Likewise testes secrete testosterone, which is necessary for proper physical development in males. When we spay and neuter, we not destroy the ability to reproduce, we also destroy the essence of maleness and femaleness. Once the male/female hormones are removed, the dog/bitch no longer exhibits the traits that are gender specific. |