Neutering our puppy....am I doing the right thing?

18 years ago

HereÂs my dilemma....we have a 6 Â½ week old puppy. His dad was a pure breed dachshund and his mom is a pure bred Yorkie...hence heÂs a Dorkie!

His dad was killed a couple of months after we adopted Cooper. The owner we got Cooper from called us crying and asked if we would please breed Cooper that she just loved the father and wants one of his babies.

Here is where my dilemma begins....I donÂt believe in breeding an animal just so you can have a puppy. There are so many dogs that need good homes and need to be loved and taken care of. If we did decide to bred him she has found a Yorkie to breed him with but the owner of the Yorkie is only willing to have the babies but doesnÂt want to be responsible for trying to get rid of the puppies.

As it stands now Cooper goes in first thing Thursday morning to be neutered and I am standing firm. I didnÂt get Cooper to breed him, we got him because we fell in love with him plus breeding just to breed isnÂt something I can do.

I know the owner of CooperÂs father is devastated and heart broke and I canÂt imagine anything happening to Cooper but heaven forbid if something did we would find another little one that needed a good home not just ask someone to breed their dog just for us when there are so many that needs good homes.

What would you do? Am I doing the right thing?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (28)

mariend
18 years ago
My only question is how old does a dog have to be? Other than that, it should be your decision.. I am sorry the father got killed breeding your dog will not bring back the father.
jannie
18 years ago
Exactly my opinion. Some people own animals with the purpose of breeding them, others have animals as pets and love them. I think the second group is superior.
Related Discussions
Modern-Aire liner...tell me I'm doing the right thing
Q
Comments (14)
I'd reassure you regarding your choices. I have been so totally happy with my MA experience and I'd hope you have the same. Several comments: Yes, MA just resells blowers. I chose a Fantech inline blower over the Hy Ex which was their initial recommendation, mainly because my contractor and HVAC guy were not enthused about going out on our steep roof for the install. I suggested an Fantech instead and they were completely happy with that decision. When I made the decision, Jeff Herman, my MA contact, said that they could sell it to me, but likely I could save a few hundred $$ on price and shipping by finding the blower online. After looking around I was getting totally stressed out by having to figure out if the websites were legit, if I was ordering the right backflow damper, duct adapter, rheostat etc etc. I finally contacted Jeff and said hey, I know it will cost more, but can you just send me whatever it is that I need and just take this off my list of worries. The small markup was totally worth it for the peace of mind of knowing that someone who knew what they were doing was doing to make the order. Jeff was totally willing for me to buy it on my own, so adding to their profit was clearly not the motivation. Regarding the decision of internal vs external blower: I think the logic is somewhat different given your short duct run. Normally I'm a huge fan of remote blowers. However, a big reason that this has worked so well for me was the ability to use the Fantech LD10 silencer along with our FKD 10XL blower. The silencer does a great job of eliminating any motor noise tracking down the ductwork. Without it, I suspect a significant part of the advantage of a remote blower might be lost, expecially if the blower was only 9 feet from the hood. Absent the silencer, the advantage of the external blower without a silencer may not justify the cost. I totally found that MA was focused on the best product for me, not squeezing a few hundred dollars more out of me. I'd tend to trust their advice, although if it were me, I'd ask for Jeff Herman's opinion, who I think is the gospel when it comes to ventilation. If Jeff says go wtih the internal blower, I'd do it. But, no matter what, I think you'll love the MA hood. It's neck and neck with the Lacanche range as the favorite part of my new kitchen. I cannot imagine a better ventilation choice based on my experience.
...See More
Alzheimer's-Did I do the right thing?
Q
Comments (12)
Before I went to college, a hundred years ago, the student counselor suggested I spend the summer working with different age groups to narrow which area of psychology I wanted to specialize in. I worked in a nursing home for only a month as it just broke my heart. An experience has stayed with me all these years. One of my patients was Bess. Her mind was gone. She thought her bed was her house, the closet for her clothes was a pantry. She told me the flower arrangement was her potatoes. She would be moving her hands and said she was peeling potatoes or making some kind of food for dinner. It was all so real to her. I took time to talk to her and we would plan picnics as she had said she liked picnics. She went from one subject to another in a matter of a few minutes. One day Bess lay there with one arm stretched up. I tried to get her to lay it down to be more comfortable. She acted like she couldn't do that so I tried to get her attention on something else. I had noticed when I first met her she wore a man's watch. I commented that day that it was such a nice watch. Her expression changed, she lowered her arm and told me," this was Chris's watch, he loved me very much" and she began to cry. I held her and comforted her. I later asked the supervisor who Chris was and she told me he was Bess's husband that had died years ago. My heart sunk, my throat tightened as it was such a beautiful thing. To think that with beds being houses, a closet now a pantry to her and the flowers were potatoes, she still knew the love she and her husband shared. It says in the bible that "love endures all things". It certainly does. Some days while caring for someone, we'd like to just hide in a closet or run outside and scream. When all is said and done, you are doing what you do out of love. It may not seem so but the person you are caring for knows this. There mind is in a state we can't really understand their thinking. However, they do know love. Keep strong and find some time for you and know you are not alone. Lynn
...See More
Did I do the right thing?
Q
Comments (21)
Oak, I think it's great that you had concern for the dog, but like the others, I don't think it was wise to have opened the door for a variety of reasons. You didn't know the owner or how he/she would have reacted to it;bad people drive nice cars too. You didn't know the dog or how it would react either. What if he had jumped past you or thought you were breaking in and bit you? There's just so many things that could have gone wrong. I think it would have made much better sense to either have the store use their loud speaker to call for the owner or to call the police so they could handle it. Either way the dog would have been taken care of before something tragic happened. At the very least the owner probably would have responded much nicer to a page from the store manager than to walk up to his/her vehicle to find you breaking into it. Like BusyBee said, if the owner was just running in for a few minutes he/she may have really been peeved that you made an unwarranted assumption and then broke into their car without permission. As far as taking offense when someone doesn't agree with you, what's the purpose of posting your question if you don't want someone's honest thoughts? At least the nay sayers are being honest with you. When you post in a forum setting, you leave yourself open for all to respond. If you don't want to hear everyone's opinions don't ask for them.
...See More
I know I'm doing the right thing but this feels awful
Q
Comments (6)
I'm so sorry for what you're going through. For what it's worth, I was in a long marriage to an emotionally abusive man, and I also (now, not then) have a child with special needs. I can't imagine how you could possibly have dealt with all that you've been dealing with for as long as you have been. It has to have been intolerable. Don't worry about how you're "supposed to be feeling" -- Just go with what you do feel, and allow yourself to feel it. Give yourself permission to let go for a few days. If you're sure it's the right decision, then tell the kids that you're sad that you and their father could not be happy together (not sad you're splitting), and that it's important to allow yourself to feel sad for a few days -- But that you know it is the right decision and that you'll be happier next week. It might actually help to put a date on it -- I'm going to allow myself to be sad until Friday (so they don't worry too much). Then CRY. Just hug your kids and cry, and let them cry too. Then pull yourself together after you've washed out some tears and start moving forward. You may be surprised actually behow relieved you feel. More than anything else, I felt relieved, and like I finally had a chance at reaching something good. You may be scared right now, but IME, it's much easier to have NO help than to have almost no help and lots of criticism. Clearly, you've got incredible resources, and you're going to be OK -- probably better than that.
...See More
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
18 years ago
Yes you are doing the right thing. Bringing more mixed breed puppies, regardless of what they are, into the world is not going to bring the father back. It is so sad to watch the commercials about all the wonderful dogs and cats needing homes and there are not enough homes for all of them. You are certainly doing the responsible thing.
JoanMN
18 years ago
Maybe she would pay for some semen from him? Works for cows and horses.
JoanMN
hounds_x_two
18 years ago
I think you are doing the right thing.
wildchild
18 years ago
Absolutely you are doing the right thing. But please wait until he is little older. Neutering at such an early age is not the best thing for the pup's health. He needs those hormones to grow strong bones. Please wait until he is at least 5 months old.

For those with larger breeds like Labs,German Shepherds etc. it is best to wait at least 18 months so their growth plates have a chance to close. This applies to males. Females may be safely spayed at 5 or 6 months of age jst like smaller breeds of males.

Unfortunately with all the irresponsible owners out there who think it's so cute to have puppies the Humane Societies and Vets have to push for early spay and neuter. It's the lesser of two evils. There is no good reason to ever breed a pet quality dog.
lindyluwho
18 years ago
I don't think you should breed him. There are thousands of dogs that need homes. No need to add to that problem. I do think he's too young to be neutered. We alway wait until they are 6 months old.

Linda
alisande
18 years ago
Ditto Wildchild. But if you do delay the neutering, stick to your principles and don't let someone else's emotions change your mind. You are 100% right.
azzalea
18 years ago
Why don't you do this. Postpone the neutering-he's way too young for that. Second, find a new vet--I'd be really leary of trusting one that would even consider neutering a puppy that's not even 2 months old (he's really too young to even be away from his mom.)

I'm probably going to get a lot of flack for this, but I'm NOT opposed to breeding across the board. I am opposed to indiscriminate, irresponsible breeding, of course. But breeding purebreds is a different thing entirely, especially if the puppies are spoken for before they arrive. I'm not saying you should breed him, but am just suggesting taking a little more time to think this over.

In your shoes, I'd probably breed him since it's so important to the other gal. As long as I could be assured that the other puppies would all find their way to good homes, I see nothing wrong with breeding him responsibly.

But please--get a second opinion, from a reputable vet about having your pet neutered at such a very young age, at least. Good luck
nodakgal
18 years ago
You are right. Stay firm.
I know you didn't ask, but Cooper IS too young to neuter without a doubt! Way to young IMO please consider delaying it for a few months....or at least call another vet and just see what the opinion is.
We had our Doxie Miss spaded at 6 months old. They are so tiny to be put under to me.
summer_tx
18 years ago
Absolutely what wildchild said. 6 1/2 weeks is waaaaay too young to neuter/spay any animal. But also, I think your choice to breed him is just that, your choice. Please change his neuter date for 5 months down the road.
lilliepad
18 years ago
I hope the 6 1/2 weeks was a typo and you meant months?? Even if it was months,I would wait at least a couple of more months.
I agree with the others about breeding him.Even if you did decide to breed him just so this person could have a puppy,the puppies might not even have any of the characteristics of the original dog.To me that is just silly.I would definitely not breed a dog for that purpose.
socks
18 years ago
You are doing the right thing. The breeder of your pup is just caught up in the emotion of losing a pet. She'll get over it. Don't weaken and give in.
perdita
18 years ago
Another vote that 6.5 weeks is too young for surgery. His little "business" that is going to be removed isn't even formed yet. I hope you meant 6.5 months.

And yes, you're doing the correct deed.
linda_in_iowa
18 years ago
You are doing the right thing is he is 6.5 months. I am a firm believer in spaying and neutering. Our county shelter won't let an animal get adopted until they are spayed and neutered.
Linda Wayman
18 years ago
I agree with the others that there is no reason to breed your dog to give the lady another dog. There will never be another dog like she had, but there are thousands out there to choose from that will claim a part of her heart if she would give them a chance.

Linda ~ who had her Great Dane neutered last Thursday. He is 17 months old.
mary_c_gw
18 years ago
No matter what age he is now, if he's old enough NEUTER him! There are so many homeless dogs out there. Bringing in a litter of several or more, to satisfy one man's fantasy is just absurd. A Dorkie is not a pure-bred of any sort, and what will you do with the other pups? No one will buy them.

Tell him to go onto a local rescue site, and get another Yorkie or another Dachshund. There are plenty of pure-bred dogs waiting for a home.
kittiemom
18 years ago
You are doing the right thing. Breeding him won't bring back his father. I wouldn't breed an animal just for that. I'm sure this lady can find another dog to love; there are so many sweet ones that need homes.

If he's 6.5 weeks old, he's much to young to neuter. If he's 6.5 months, I'd keep the appt.
clubm
18 years ago
I agree with what wildchild said.
Marcia Thornley
18 years ago
Neutering is the right thing. It is the best thing to do if he is to be a pet. You must surely mean 6 months. That is the norm for neutering. I can't imagine a vet doing anything so early. I doubt if it can be done this early.
petaloid
18 years ago
You said, "His dad was killed a couple of months after we adopted Cooper."

So he can't be "6 Â½ weeks old" now -- I would guess you meant 6 Â½ months old, so he is mature enough for neutering.

The folks you got him from are grief-stricken and not thinking straight. You are doing the right thing!
duckiedo
18 years ago
i think the ultimate gesture....in love....would be to go to this person, tell him you dont' believe in breeding and offer the ultimate sacrifice of love...offer to give him/her your puppy.

xoxo
duck
molly109
18 years ago
Stay firm. She is grieving for her dog, and
thinks she can "replace" him.

And - I don't know how you could have him and love
him and then give him to her. Or why. Some day she
will lose a new pet when they age, is someone always
going to be there to replace it for her?

I don't mean to sound cold, and
I know it is sad - been there many times - loosing
our beloved furbabies. But, it is something we have
to deal with in time.
sue36
18 years ago
You are doing the right thing. I believe that only people who know what they are doing (qualified breeders) who KNOW they will have homes for the puppies/kittens should breed.

What is worse is that you don't have homes for all the puppies. The female's owner doesn't want responsibility. Is the friend going to place all the puppies? How would you feel if some end up at a shelter?

I also have to say that I think this person may want one of the puppies for the wrong reason. She may think the puppy will be like the grandfather in some way. That she can recreate her lost dog.
firemanswife
Original Author
18 years ago
Sorry....he's 6 1/2 months old! Sorry about that.
ritamay91710
18 years ago
Ditto to what everyone else has already said!!!
You are doing the right thing!!!
eandhl
18 years ago
You know in your heart you are doing the right thing. The world does not need more puppies. Especially when the female owner wants no responsibility of them.
kim_okla
18 years ago
I would offer to help the owner find a new dog but not by breeding mine.

I would go to shelters with her, check the paper and look online.

Neutering our puppy....am I doing the right thing?

Comments (28)

mariend

jannie

Related Discussions

Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana

JoanMN

hounds_x_two

wildchild

lindyluwho

alisande

azzalea

nodakgal

summer_tx

lilliepad

socks

perdita

linda_in_iowa

Linda Wayman

mary_c_gw

kittiemom

clubm

Marcia Thornley

petaloid

duckiedo

molly109

sue36

firemanswife
Original Author

ritamay91710

eandhl

kim_okla

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Neutering our puppy....am I doing the right thing?

Comments (28)

Related Discussions

firemanswifeOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

firemanswife
Original Author