I neglected to get her spayed at an early age. I wanted to spay her myself. Well-meaning and silly as I was, Chance was not spayed until she was 4 years old. And, just as I had learned in school, all those heat cycles exacted their toll- Chance developed mammary cancer later in her life. Spaying and neutering pets is not just aimed at controlling overpopulation.
Neutering is also in the best interest of pets.
It prevents life-threatening infections and cancers, especially if done before puberty. It also helps to control problem behaviors that land many pets in shelters, where they are killed by the millions every year. I learned my lesson from Chance. I will never wait to spay or neuter a pet of mine again. You shouldn't, either.