Today, July 16, 2012, my beloved Murphy would have been 14 years old. Instead, I lost her on March 8, 2012, to splenic cancer, one of many diseases I now learn is linked to early spay/neuter.
Yes, my grief is compounded because I did what the animal care community, from veterinarians to shelters to breeders, insist is the proper thing to do: spay or neuter your animals as babies, before they are sexually mature.
Sadly, that is not true. Today, 50% of dogs over 10 get cancer. It’s an epidemic. Thyroid issues, obesity, arthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer … it’s a big list, and early spay/neuter is one of the culprits.
What are we doing to our families? To ourselves?
The research is out there, and being ignored. Why? Ignorance. Propaganda. Politics. A deadly combination of trying to do the right thing, for example, reducing pet overpopulation, and not thinking things through, or keeping up with the research.
Was Murphy ‘old enough,’ as some people say? No, but she was old, and happy, vigorous for her age, and we were robbed of more time together.
Most important? Murphy was family.
Are your animals family members? My animals are part of what I call a multi-species family. What does the human-animal bond mean to you? What is proper veterinary care?
How do you define love?
Someone told me recently that I “walk my talk.” I guess that’s true. I believe in the equality of all life, that all beings, whatever they are—human, animal, chair, car, home, business, plant, weather system—all life has a soul, is conscious, has free choice, and responsibility. All life. Including my animal family. I give space for my animals to make choices. So Murphy chose how she would live her ending. Unfortunately, I didn’t know better in the beginning.
The fierce love I have for my animal family to me is normal. My animals are my kids, my family. My partner is a crystal ball. My home is alive and participates in the work I do, as does my business.
Murphy was a dog. She was my soul mate. Right now, I don’t want another soul mate.
Do you?
If so, let’s talk. Let’s brainstorm, in person, on the Internet, and figure out how the love we have for all of life, including our animal families, can keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Really look hard at the early spay/neuter issue. Take an immediate stand: say no to any animal that comes from someone who insists on spaying or neutering it before it comes to you. Any animal from anywhere, shelter or breeder. Don’t patronize vets or any animal organization or business that supports this insane practice.
Make it stop. That will get attention. That will get us talking. All of us together.
Maybe, then, more people will get something I don’t have today, July 16, 2012: I don’t have my beloved Murphy with me.
I can’t save my soul mate. Help me save yours.
Say no to early spay/neuter, then investigate it and make a decision that works for your family. Research. Connect.
Help me do one more thing: I can’t hug my beloved Murphy on her birthday. Hug your animals for me.
We’re celebrating her birthday tonight with a piece of chocolate cake topped with fresh cherries.
We’ll be lighting a candle for change. For peace. For all of our families. Together.
Light a candle with us. A candle for love. In the end, that’s all we have, and all we need.
Here’s our birthday wish for you: a long healthy life with your animal family.
© 2012 Robyn M Fritz