February is designated as national spay/neuter month.The push is to bring attention to the need for sterilization of pets. Did you know spaying and neutering has proven to be the most effective birth control currently available and is known to extend the typical life span for cats and dogs?

Some of the benefits are:

• Reducing the need to euthanize unwanted litters or homeless pets.

• Decrease eagerness to roam which puts animals in danger of injury by  traffic or animal fights.

• Reduce the possibility of ovarian, mammary, testicular or prostate cancers.

• Decrease the urge for urine marking.

• Suppress aggressive tendencies or dominance related behaviors when done at a young age and prior to negative habit patterns.

• Reduces unruly behavior.

Foothills Humane Society in Columbus has a spay/neuter program for Polk County pets and those in Landrum, Campobello and Gowensville. To take advantage of this low cost program call 828-863-4444 for more information.

– article submitted by Sharon Rose