Thursday, August 17, 2006

Bob Barker is one smart dude!

Yes, he may be ancient, but he's always been a smart man. Ever since I can remember watching the Price Is Right I recall his wise words at the end of every program

"Help control the pet population and have your pet spayed or neutered"

Very wise words indeed. I've always believed in this mantra - and I'm entirely convinced that there wasn't any other influence apart from growing up with Bob Barkers words. It just makes sense. I understand not doing so if you're a breeder trying to preserve the characteristics of a fabulous breed, but if its just a pet, there is no reason not to. I've adopted all my animals from shelters or rescues - and part of the adoption contract requires you to spay or neuter the pet. Samson the dog was neutered at 6 years of age, Thalia at 1 year old, and Milo just came that way. But, even if it wasn't required, I'd do it anyway.

I remembered those words because I have seen a slew of cute fuzzy puppies lately, running around the streets with their homeless parents. Its such a shame, really. Keith says its cool because they are free and they can do whatever they want, but I say dogs weren't made to be free - they are not wild animals, they are domesticated, and although they still have instincts that are part of their genetic make up they still were created to be man's companion. And there are SOOOO many street dogs, its not only sad, but scary! I won't jog and don't particularly like walking around without my pepper spray because of all the dogs around - sometimes packs of them that roam at night. And it breaks my heart to see an animal in pain or malnourished because it doesn't have a family to take care of it.

Anyway, I saw an interesting bumper sticker today on the back of an SUV. One said "Yo Estoy Esterilizando" - which means "I am sterilizing" and the other had a pic of two cute drawn dog heads with + 6 anos next to it....Followed by more puppy heads and the number 67,000. Now, I'm not sure if the math is correct, but it is crazy to believe a pair of non-sterilized animals can potentially create 67,000 descendants. I was surprised because I haven't seen much of that mentioned here in Mexico - I don't think there is as much awareness here.

I know a lot of people don't have a lot of extra cash laying around to spay or neuter their pets, but I also think Mexico has a lot of Machismo still in it and some people don't fix their animals because they feel its cruel, and they should be able to reproduce......I think that's just silly. It just leads to more homeless, un-cared for animals. So take Bob Barker's advice, and have your pet spayed or neutered.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I'm with you 100%. Here in Mexico City, the local Health Units advertise free sterilizations for dogs & cats from time to time... I wonder if they have that in Toluca, too?