One of my favourite dog writers is Christie Keith, when she writes about dogs. She also has a blog titled Dogged Blog. I just paid her blog a visit and after reading it and posting my own response, I felt compelled to share this excellent tell-it-like-it-is post for you to read as well.
So what’s it about? Spaying and neutering your pet — getting the facts straight before making a decision. And Christie provides footnotes for those who want to check out the truth she presents. (you can link from the text above to read her article).
I’m not anti-spay/neuter. But I am anti-making a decision that is based on lies. Before considering spaying/neutering your pet, learn the truth. Once you know the truth, and are truthful with yourself about why you really are neutering, then you’re better able to make an informed decision — for your pet’s welfare.
Here is a snippet of the response I posted in the ‘comments’ following her mind-opening article:
“Far too many people go along eating up the propaganda, never bothering to
question or investigate the facts for themselves. Instead, like cattle following
the water trail, they plod along, head down, never considering whether
what they’re being told is written on a $3 dollar bill.All too often pet owners will use these lies to justify making their own life easier — after all, it’s more inconvenient to deal with an intact female during a heat than one
that has been spayed or “fixed” (good word for most folks isn’t it?).”
The mind is like a parachute. They both work better when they are opened up.
Congratulations on your new venture into weblogs, Diane! One thing about a new one, it’s easy to see all of it. (g)
Being lied to is what it’s all about these days, it seems, but I don’t like it any more than you do, whatever the lie is about and I agree completely on the issue of “convenience”.
A suggestion for your Recommended Reading: Glen Johnson’s Tracking Dog: Theory and Method. Even if you aren’t converted to a madly enthusiastic proponent of the best of dog sports after you’ve read it, it might be a great book to include for those who’ve never heard of, let alone read the “Bible”.
Johnson’s a Canadian, too, btw. (g)
Gil, thanks for stopping by and for the kind words.
Thanks for the reading suggestion. I’ve heard of the book but now should pick it up and check it out as you suggest. Have you read Carolyn Krause’s “Try Tracking! The Puppy Tracking Primer”? It’s not just for puppies but is presented as a fun, upbeat way of tracking with any dog whether with a view to eventually gaining titles or simply for the fun of it.
I will check out Johnson’s book as you suggest. Canadian, eh?
Next time I’m updating my list, looks like I could have an addition or two.
–D