Three myths about sterilizing pets

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An estimated 6 to 8 million cats and dogs enter shelters all over the country each year. Of that number, 3 to 4 million are euthanized. Animal overpopulation has become an epidemic. It occurs not only because strays and unsterilized pets are left to breed, but also because irresponsible dog owners choose to breed a whole litter of puppies when they intend to keep only one.


No less than half of all dogs in shelters end up there because they were relinquished by their owners. An unstable economy has forced households to prioritize their expenses, and pets don’t often make the cut. Coupled by suddenly finding the pet pregnant, some dog owners are left with no choice but to give their dog up. But when vets suggest owners have their dogs neutered, many of the latter reject the idea. Some believe this is psychologically harmful to their dog, or will cause future consequences. Here’s a list of the three most common misconceptions about sterilizing dogs and the truth to each one:




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The dog will feel like less of a “man” after being sterilized

Although dogs can suffer from trauma, the “shame” of being neutered is a human-associated emotion. Dogs develop their personalities from their genetics and environment. Sterilizing a dog will not affect its personality, except for giving it one less need to fulfill.



Spaying or neutering will cause weight gain

Dogs do not get fat from simply being sterilized alone. A healthy dog will only gain weight if it is fed more than exercised. Some owners sometimes cause their dog’s weight gain due to feeling sympathetic for the dog post-surgery. They give the dog extra treats or refrain from making it do too much activity because they “feel sorry” for having neutered him. There is no need to make a dog “feel better” because he will not “feel bad!” Exercise helps a dog recuperate from surgery and should be maintained regularly after sterilization.




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Spaying or neutering is expensive

While this may have been true in the ‘80s and ‘90s, overpopulation has led many clinics, pounds, and animal shelters to offer low-cost and even free dog sterilization programs. Veterinary clinics without free programs do offer payment in installments. Getting a pet dog neutered or spayed is the responsible action to take. Owners should not let their psychological fears prevent them from doing what is best for their pet.



Many humans make the mistake of assigning their emotions to their dogs. Experienced breeder and trainer Suzy Azalea discusses the difference between how humans and dogs interpret and react to their environment on this blog.

A look at AKC's top 10 breeds of 2012

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The American Kennel Club (AKC) has kept a registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States since it was founded in 1884. Every year, the AKC releases a list of the top 10 breeds by popularity. While the 2012 list showed no surprises, it was interesting to note that America’s idea of a canine companion has moved away from traditional working dogs into what is commonly known as fighting breeds.


10. Rottweiler
Square-jawed and big-boned, the Rottweiler is America’s working dog. Often misunderstood for being intimidating, rotties—as they are sometimes called—are in fact playful and highly intelligent dogs.


9. Dachshund
This wiener-shaped breed fell one spot from last year’s list but is still one of America’s preferred pets for families with children. They are versatile little creatures—they can dig and hunt but also take care of small children—making them an ideal family pet for homes with yards.

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8. Poodle
Another misunderstood breed, poodles are capable of far more than most people would think. In fact, they are capable of more than most dogs can learn in a lifetime. Poodles have been on the top 10 list since 1960 for their intelligence and trainability; they are able to complete service dog duties while remaining a playful family pet. They are bred in three sizes, making them easy to raise in just about any type of home space or environment.


7. Boxer
Protective and patient, boxers have maintained a steady position on the top ten list for their loyalty and manageable energy level. Although they were originally bred for fighting, boxers have come a long way since, making excellent family guard dogs, even for homes with children.

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6. English Bulldog
In a chicken-or-egg debate, it can be argued that bulldogs gained popularity because they have consistently been used as school mascots. Whichever way it happened—and regardless of the sports team they represent—bulldogs are known for their protective instinct and gentle temperament.


For the rest of the list, visit this web page.

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Suzy Azalea is an experienced dog breeder with expertise across all types of breed categories. Visit this Myspace page for details about her breeding programs.

REPOST: Congress Passes Legislation Protecting Military Dogs

In the past, the military listed service dogs– such as watch dogs, guide dogs, and bomb detection dogs– as "surplus equipment." When American troops were sent home, no resources were dedicated to ensuring the safe return their canine companions. Military dogs were simply left at abandoned camp locations, much to the protest of their army handlers. After numerous petitions, it seems this nonsense has finally come to an end. Here's an article from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals about the new legislation allowing military personnel to take their service dogs home.

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today applauds the U.S. Congress for passing legislation to protect military dogs. Included as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, the measure provides significant steps for the protection of retired military dogs by streamlining the adoption process and authorizing a system of veterinary care for the retired animals at no expense to taxpayers. The Defense Authorization bill now moves to President Barack Obama for his signature.

This provision was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) through the leadership of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in the U.S. Senate and Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Both legislators introduced similar legislation to assist military dogs, the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, earlier this year.

"Military dogs are true heroes—they play a critical role in our nation's defense," said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. "These amazing dogs have been loyal to us in extreme circumstances and deserve to be properly cared for and adopted into good homes after such unwavering service to their country. We thank Senator Blumenthal and Representative Jones for ensuring these heroic dogs' health and well-being is properly cared for."

Military dogs successfully perform many important and dangerous duties that can be difficult, if not impossible, for humans. After years of service, military dogs deserve a safe retirement option and may require expensive veterinary care to treat health issues related to their dedicated service. Establishing a long-term, reliable source of support for that care will ensure that our nation's commitment to the dogs' well-being extends beyond their period of military service. The bill also streamlines the adoption process by standardizing the transfer of retired military dogs from foreign soil back to the United States, where they can be permanently placed into loving homes.

"Military working dogs are so crucial to the safety of our service members, and it is our job to provide them with the love and care that they so honorably deserve when they are retired," said Rep. Jones.  "I would like to thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership in the Senate and all the organizations, such as the ASPCA, who have supported our efforts."

"I am pleased that this year's NDAA will recognize the importance of military working dogs by providing for their care," added Sen. Blumenthal. "These dogs have saved countless human lives through their vital work and deserve to be honored in this way. I thank Congressman Jones and the organizations that have worked so hard to ensure that these canine heroes receive the care they deserve. I will continue to work with these key organizations to ensure that the Department of Defense implements the provisions of the NDAA that will establish standards of care for retired military working dogs, allow for the transport of retiring dogs working overseas back to the United States, and provide for recognition of their service."

For more information on the ASPCA and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visitwww.aspca.org.

Like war veterans, dogs that have seen action are prone to post-traumatic stress disorder. Experienced dog breeder Suzy Azalea discusses how to effectively ease dogs into new homes on her blog.

Walk n' wag: Keeping the pounds off you and your dog this year

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Holidays are indulgent times for taste buds. After a year’s hard work, Christmas celebrants look forward to a feast of countless courses and forbidden desserts. In our household, everyone enjoys a good serving of signature Suzy Azalea holiday dishes, including the four-legged members.

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To combat holiday weight gain, most health consultants suggest making meals out of fat-free ingredients or doubling up on exercise routines. It is ideal to do both in tandem to keep button bursting at a minimum. While preparing healthy Christmas dishes, you may also consider treating your fur pals to special meals. Contrary to what some home cooks expect, this requires no extra effort. As an experienced dog breeder and canine welfare expert, I have put together a list of 10 everyday food ingredients that are safe for dogs to eat. The list includes most of the fruits, meats, and vegetables used in dietitian-recommended Christmas dinners, allowing you to treat your canine pals to something unique without increasing their fat intake.

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While it’s tempting to stay snug in bed all day after a hearty meal, keeping the pounds off means moving around—double time. As winter temperatures prevent “sweating it off,” holiday exercise has to compensate. Taking your dog out for a run allows you and your dog to get your exercise. Exercising has an added benefit for dogs: It releases tension and excitement pent-up from staying indoors all day. A bored dog will usually resort to eating more than it should-or worse, chewing on shoes and furniture. If you’re worried about the cold weather, this DIY fleece coat for dogs from Martha Stewart is a great solution.


Keeping a dog healthy does not have to be an added chore. It can be done alongside the usual family habits and become part of the holiday routine.


Get more tips about exercising with your pets on this Facebook page.