Beat the heat: Spay or neuter your pet
Kittens and puppies, adorable as they are, ought not contribute to the problem of overcrowded shelters.
Author anonymous
The days are lengthening, the birds are singing, and…the cats are yowling? As spring thaw arrives, often so does a heat of another kind. This heat, however, is not quite so welcomed. If you have pets, now is the perfect time to have them neutered or spayed before unwanted litters pop up.
Kittens and puppies, adorable as they are, ought not contribute to the problem of overcrowded shelters. In addition to services that local vet clinics offer, there are many low cost alternatives available, even programs to help control the feral cat population by fixing stray and unowned cats.
For those who would like a kitten or puppy to brighten their homes, consider contacting a shelter or rescue and inquiring about fostering. Service dog organizations are in need of foster caretakers for their puppies in training.
Think your kids need to witness the miracle of birth firsthand? Many farms are open to the public and have livestock birthing daily this time of year. Or check out the “Miracle of Life” exhibit at the Ingham County Fair. Better yet, consider fostering a pregnant dog or cat, as overcrowded shelters often lack resources to house these vulnerable animals.
This spring, let us resolve to do what’s right for our pets and the strays who choose us. Unless we are a responsible breeder, we should consider spaying and neutering our pets—for their sakes and for others waiting for placement in homes.
The author of this piece asked to remain anonymous because too many people dropped off cats when she tried to help before.
“Will you neuter me, please?” Little Dog asks. “Or toss me some cheese?” Photo credit Kelsey Rasmussen.
Service dog organizations are in need of foster caretakers for their puppies in training. Colt celebrates his gender neutrality. Photo credit: Kelsey Rasmussen.
This spring, let us resolve to do what’s right for our pets and the strays who choose us. Unless we are a responsible breeder, we should consider spaying and neutering our pets—for their sakes and for others waiting for placement in homes. Photo credit: Patrice Johnson
Further resources:
Ingham County Spay/Neuter assistance: http://ac.ingham.org/SpayNeuteringAssistancePrograms.aspx
http://ac.ingham.org/SpayNeuteringAssistancePrograms/PitStopProgram.aspx
http://ac.ingham.org/WildlifeFeralCatsLiveTraps/FeralCats.aspx
Jackson County Spay/Neuter
http://hsjc.com/programs/low-income-spayneuter-certificates/
https://chspets.com/spay-neuter-assistance-program/
https://chspets.com/forgotten-felines/
http://www.katsnips.org/spayneuter-process.html
Livingston County Spay/Neuter
http://humane-livingston.org/spay-neuter-services/
