[PET OHANA]
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Since 1995 the Doris Day Animal League has helped focus national attention on pet population control efforts by promoting Spay Day USA. This year, Spay Day is Feb. 27 at the Hawaiian Humane Society, and 500 free surgeries will be given away for dogs and cats. It's easy to make an appointment from wherever you are that day, and you have 12 hours to do it! Spay Day USA offers a
free fix for Fido"Surveys show that the two main reasons why people have not sterilized their pets are the cost and that they haven't had the time to make an appointment," said Pamela Burns, president of the Hawaiian Humane Society. "Spay Day makes it easy and free, which are great incentives for people to take advantage of our offer. We hope to be inundated with requests for surgery."
Sterilization is the most humane course of action for those who keep pets. Two unaltered cats and their offspring can grow to 420,000 cats in just seven years. Two unaltered dogs and their descendants can number 67,000 in just six years. The numbers are staggering. Although we would like to think all these animals will go to loving homes, in reality many go unwanted and end up on the street where they lead short, often tragic lives.
There are many advantages that sterilization brings to dogs and cats.
>> Sterilized pets live longer.
>> Sterilization prevents several forms of cancer and infections from occurring.
>> Male dogs and cats who are sterilized are better behaved, focusing their attention on their families rather than instinctively roaming and risking injury in traffic and fights with other animals.
>> Many aggression and territory-marking problems can be solved by early neutering.
>> Spaying females avoids the messiness of heats, which also attract males who can spray and act aggressively.
>> Watchdogs and guard dogs are easier to train after neutering because their hormones are stabilized and they can focus on training.
>> Pet personalities will not be altered. Myths about weight gain and changing personality are false.
"The benefits are many," said Burns, "all of which improve the quality of life for your own pet and help prevent pet overpopulation.
"People can solve the problem by doing the right thing."
The surgery is a simple procedure, recovery is quick and complications are rare. Last year, the Hawaiian Humane Society performed 7,893 sterilization surgeries, and an additional 9,276 sterilizations were performed by community veterinarians as part of Honolulu's low-cost Neuter Now program.
"Each of these surgeries increases the quality of life for a pet and prevents litters," explained Burns. "We applaud everyone who has already sterilized their companion animals and encourage everyone else to call, visit or e-mail us on Spay Day."
For free surgery
>> Visit the Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Feb. 27.>> Send an e-mail to spayday@hawaiianhumane.org between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Feb. 27 to request an appointment. Include your name, address, phone number, your pet's name, age, approximate weight and whether it is a cat or dog, male or female. Your appointment will be e-mailed back to you within 48 hours. (Do not call the Humane Society's main number for Spay Day appointments.)
>> Call these special Spay Day numbers, made available by Nextel -- 216-FREE (3733), 216-SPAY (7729), 216-IFIX (4349) or 216-PETS (7387) -- between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Feb. 27.
>> Pre- and post-surgery guidelines will be supplied to pet owners.
>> There is a limit of two free surgeries per household.
>> Surgeries will be scheduled for March and April.
"Pet Ohana," written by the staff of the Hawaiian Humane Society, runs the first and third Saturdays of the month.
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