Trip to Venice Beach proved shocking

16.34 in beach, Dog, proved, shocking, to, trip, venice

Went on a road trip over the weekend to visit my brother who was in town for business... We met up in Venice Beach...a place he and I used to frequent while growing up. Hasnt changed too much - great place for people watching. What caught my attention wasnt the humans themselves, but the dogs... Why? One reason was they were all so darn cute.. this of course made me miss my little boy Poncho (hubby and I decided to "manage" and left Poncho with lots of interactive toys before we left...made sure we exercised him too so he was sleepy and wanted to nap)... 

Anyway, the other "things" that caught my eye were all the intact male dogs... yep, it seems that neutering is not a common activity in the Venice Beach area...at least all the male dogs I saw. Big dogs, small dogs, purebreds, mixed breeds....you name it, they had their "knick-knacks" intact. Now, being a critical thinker we cant assume all of the dogs and their humans were residents of Venice Beach...maybe they were all tourists? Maybe lived in neighboring communities? Maybe they were planning on taking their dogs to get neutered? Could be many different reasons, so I wont jump to conclusions... As for the female dogs, I couldnt tell if they had been spayed or not...and I wasnt about to start asking. 

I do know this. Spaying and neutering is important. For a variety of reasons. Dogs dont have the "common sense" gene that says "I shouldnt breed because there are so many unwanted pets anyway, and I know its better not to contribute to the problem." Nope, they dont think that way... So its a shame when we as humans continue to think "my dog would never do that" "they know better." Just takes a split second, and before you know it youre a new puppy parent! 

Unless youre a responsible, professional breeder, then having your pet spayed or neutered is the sensible thing to do. Does it make your dog any less "tough"? Heck no! Just ask my own dog Poncho... Hes one rockin tough little guy - still marks, raises his leg, growls and hunts, will attack any stranger that comes to the door that I dont want there... Being intact doesnt = macho... having the common sense and being a responsible pet owner is! 

This years theme for our annual Pooch Parade here in Ventura put on by our local rescue group The Canine Adoption and Rescue League is "Spay & Neuter"! For additional info on spaying and neutering your pets, check out these informative websites: Humane Society, ASPCA, The American Kennel Club, The American Veterinary Medical Association. 

Joan