By The Humane Society of the United States MYTH:"My pet will get
fat and lazy." FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and
lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them
enough exercise. MYTH: "It's better to have one litter first."
FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the
evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are
typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and
cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your
veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.
MYTH: "But my pet is a purebred." FACT: So is at least one out
of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the
country. There are just too many dogs and cats—mixed breed and
purebred. MYTH: "I want my dog to be protective." FACT: Spaying
or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect
home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics
and environment than by sex hormones. MYTH: "I don't want my
male dog or cat to feel lik