It has been my observation that plenty of people not only don't consider the cost of spaying when they get a pet, they don't even consider the cost of vaccinations, medication and FOOD. They want their children to have the valuable experience of seeing puppies be born but don't teach social and fiscal responsibility. Plus, it would be "cruel" to deny a dog a sex life. Sigh. The idea that all these pups are being slaughtered is sickening. Breaks your heart, doesn't it? And so avoidable.

Also, how the shelter's operate, hours, etc., affects dogs already born. If never conceived, they aren't an issue. Reduce the pet population at the source and there are probably plenty of people available to adopt the adoptable animals at the shelter. I also don't agree with a one to one correlation on pets dying at home and opening up a slot, so to speak. Many people are elderly and don't plan to replace their dog. In our home, we recently lost our old dog and aren't in the market to get another for another 5 - 6 years since we have two more and don't want an "overlap" (have three dogs) for more than a couple of years.

The pit bull problem is another heart breaker. I would never have a pit because I have found them to be unpredictable. But they are sooooo lovable! I work with children in the court system and one of my "kids" was visiting a family member with a sweet, sweet pit. I've met her. Unfortunately, the dog bit the little boy and they hadn't taken the responsible steps of getting her rabies vaccination. The little boy is in the process of having to take rabies shots, the dog is in quarantine and we all know the poor thing will not be returned. Again, so avoidable and such a heart breaking situation.