Fragments From Floyd

No comments on neutering, I'm afraid. Our only dog was, er, a bitch. But seeing that photo and the mention of water brought back memories. She was a cocker spaniel, and true to her breed, loved water. Any stream, puddle - even pond sometimes - she'd be in it. We got used to giving her a bath every time she'd been for a walk in the woods. But the particular memory I was referring to was of another dog. Out for walk in the woods one day, we rounded a corner, and laying down in the muddiest, filthiest puddle imaginable was a beatiful, aristocratic, golden lab. Totally at peace with the world, but when she got up, half-golden, half-chocolate.

All my male dogs have been just fine after neutering - no, it doesn't "sissify" them. There is one very good reason for neutering even in your neck of the woods - it keeps them safer.

They are less likely to wander off in search of that elusive female scent (and I mean that they can smell it for miles). This of course means that they will be less likely to find themselves in situations where they are fighting other dogs for the chance to reproduce. They are also not put in the position of having to cross a busy road to get to a female dog (like I said, they can smell that scent for miles).

Neutering also reduces the chance for some forms of cancer (spaying does the same for female dogs).

What a lovely looking dog you have.

Jay our cross Shepherd has had the "op" and has been fine. Jay is 3 1/2 now and if he still had his balls would have been quite a handful. The issue for large male dogs is not sex, humping etc which are all about young and small dogs (boys too?) but dominance. As a result, Jay is not a wimp but he is not looking for trouble to show off.

I had huge reservations about having him done. On reflection I wonder if they were not my own fears. I doubt that doggy consciousness extends in this area. Technically the operation is very minor. Jay hardly noticed what had happened and was running around immediately. I also did not get any of those "looks" such as "what did you do to me"

One of the things I love about your prose, Fred, is the delicate and humorous way you can handle the most indelicate subjects. I remember the snot story in this regard as well.

We've had several dogs that were neutered and never noticed any signifcant personality change. One thing though, our male beagle, though neutered, still "pops-up" from time to time. He doesn't seem to notice or care though.

Our black lab was neutered and we really had trouble noticing it, except perhaps for som obvious physical differences.

Would you have the same problems if it were a question of spaying a bitch?
Shalom,
Jan

ditto about our male dogs not seemingly affected in any adverse way, other than to perhaps be a bit embarassed for a day or two (what are YOU looking at? Yes, I'm still a man!). If aesthetics is really a top priority, they do actually make something called neuticals (the equivalent of breast implants, if you get my drift). Yes, they really do.

Seriously, it is safer for him (no wandering and cancer risk confirmed), and the operation itself seems to be realtively free of discomfort. A day or two of laying about (complete with special treats and much love and adoration), and he'll back to his new and improved self. Keeping him intact is about what's good for you, not him. He'll still be devoted to you. You will not be the enemy. And you'll feel like a responsible parent, which is what your are.

Pup parenting ... sometimes we have to do what we know is best for them, although it might not be their preferred choice. Not so different from any kind of parenting, eh?

We had our Jenny spayed when she was around six months. Since then I've become very confused by her behavior. I mean I could understand if she was a male, but she has these periods of humping anything in reach. She does prefer a willing leg if she can find one. She tends to get very upset with me when I refuse her advances. I've talked to our Vet about this problem. He's baffled as well. Has anyone else heard of this problem? Just wondering. Why don't they just give male dogs a vasectomy and let them keep their jewels for decorations?

I think Rob hit the nail on the, ur, head, when he suggested his anxiety about neutering his male dog was really *his* anxiety. I've only heard men talk about this reluctance to neuter their male dogs, and I think it really is a case of projecting ;-)

So, Fred, please have him neutered, for all the reasons already mentioned. Every pet owner has a responsibility to do so if their pet has any possibility at all of coming into contact with other animals. Tsuga will not know the difference; in fact, he may be more content without the raging hormones (sounds like Buster was unusually undersexed!).

BTW, I, too, loved your linguistic handling of this, um, delicate issue ;-)

Doug had his op at 6 years old - for various reasons, and personality wise was the same dog only milder and not prone to fighting with other males in the park. Also not awake half the night with his hobby - which was never just an adolescent obsession! Now I would always neuter early - would have saved us moments of anxiety.
(amazing how the mildest, gentlest dog can turn into a park bully suddenly at 18 months)
Beautiful photo of Tsuga.

This is for Clarence - I've had spayed (and one unspayed) females hump and lift their legs when they urinate. However - it is only the dominant female that will do this. If you have more than one female, the lower ranked members will not do this. So Jenny is just displaying that she is the dominant female.

Dogs do keep their jewels. Some shrink and disappear when the hormones are taken away, but our present male dog still has his grapes (and he was neutered a couple of years ago). Actually, a vasectomy does not relieve the hormone production, so the dangers related to "unfixed" males are still present (fighting, wandering, cancer etc.).

Fred, Fred, Fred... You will the bigger man by doing it. Remember, as the bumper sticker says "it takes balls to neuter your pet".
Lisa, NC

Homo is pretty much the same, after the unkindest cut. A 9-month-old Rottweiler/mix has other things on his mind, like destroying the back yard. :)

Seems to be unanimous. I went through this with my female lab, and never regretted it, even though I've always thought she would have been a wonderful mother.

You want a really good reason? Visit the local shelter on kill day.

We've always neutered our dogs and cats...it really doesn't produce any noticable changes...some of our past males didn't abandon private pleasures or stop wandering either...they do calm down a little and don't mark as frequently as an intact male does.

Most breeders selling pet quality dogs require evidence of neutering before they will sign the AKC transfer papers...didn't yours say anything about breeding Tsuga? Most want some control over their line.

But to me, it's a civic responsibility as a pet owner to prevent unwanted puppies/kittens.

When Tsuga lifts his leg to pee is the main sign that he is mature enough to be neutered. You shouldn't do it too early as it can effect bone density...he's about the right age...your vet will now when it's time.

2 words. Do it.

Feste hit the nail on the head. I am currently overwhelmed by the "accidents" of other peoples' pets. None of them will continue the cycle since each and everyone of them has been snipped. Many animals however, don't know how to get to my house and end up dumped or in shelters, only to be killed.

Also Fred, I hate to tell ya but you're going to have to get both of them. Just because one isn't showing doesn't mean it's not there. If the chryptorchid testicle is left inside, Tsuga will have the traits of an un-neutered dog, not to mention the possiblity of problems down the road. I'm sure this will be a topic of conversation between you and your vet.

It's funny to me that many males poo-poo anthropomorphic behavior except when it comes to this part of the animal's anatomy. I have yet to see a woman cover her ovaries and swoon at the mere thought of spaying her pet.

On a lighter note, Peechu is still all boy but he stopped lifting his leg on my furniture after his surgery. So I personally think neutering was a darn fine idea!