As I watch Squire and Grizzly play, I reflect on how much my attitude to dog’s personalities has changed. I am owned by a multi-dog household. For years, I have claimed that female dogs rule and would never think of sharing my pack with a male dog. Then, a scrawny, frail terrier pup was born here. By the time he was healthy and ready for a new home, I was hooked. So, Squire moved into my pack and heart. He is a long-legged fuzzy faced, white with a black head, loyal companion. He was neutered at 5 months. He is as clean as any of my girls, just as protective and devoted as they are. In fact the only difference is the way he urinates. I no longer advocate female dogs as the only ones for me. Then Grizzly arrived and fit into the pack even before I chose him. There went another of my theories.  Two males cannot live together in harmony. Wrong. Grizz and Squire are best buddies. Squire was already an adult of two years when Grizz arrived as a 4 month old pup. He fit in readily. Sara, my chessie, is his sleeping partner and protector.  Squire is his buddy. And they play hard - the 40 pound terrier and the eight pound chihuahua. Grizz was neutered in April at seven months. He is also clean, devoted and makes me laugh which is high on priorities  here. A good laugh is a great stress reliever and essential for survival in a job like this. Right up there with my glass greenhouse, growing plants and singing or chattering birds.

            I have noticed that neutering is a big stress reliever for the male dogs that are waiting for adoption. We see a lot of big intact dogs come into the shelter. They invariably growl and lunge at their neighbours.  They appear stressed and unhappy. When funds permit, they are scheduled immediately for a neuter. Within, three days we see an attitude adjustment. They are calmer, eat better, bark less and are interested in playing with their neighbour instead of fighting. They will also never suffer from testicular cancer (a major killer of older intact males). Another fallacy is that neutered males get fat and lazy. Food and lack of exercise make dogs fat same as for people. There is not one good reason to NOT neuter your pet dog. He will be happier for it and you will enjoy a calmer companion more interested in you than the female dog next door. Remember pet overpopulation is caused by pet copulation, so take the “EU” out of euthanasia, Neuter your pet.