Spay Your Dog and Avoid Pyometra

Since adopting my dog I agonized over whether or not to spay her. After six years the decision was taken out of my hands when she nearly died.

When I adopted my dog from a local shelter, the staff there assured me she was fixed. Two months later small drops of blood appeared everywhere in my house and I realized my dog was intact --- and in heat. I was faced with deciding whether or not to put her through major surgery. Although every dog care book I'd read urged pet owners to fix their animals, I couldn't imagine putting mine through such an ordeal. Especially since she seemed to have a sensitive temperament. She'd already been through the pain of abandonment and, based on some fearful behaviors, possible mistreatment. Making the decision to remove all her healthy reproductive organs and cause her even temporary pain seemed barbaric. How could I do such a thing to a healthy animal? I also was concerned about consequences the operation could have on her health and her obedient, loving behavior.