Spaying and neutering: the kindest cut of all

Dear Heloise: I appreciate all your good efforts to educate people about responsible pet care. Please run a column about the importance of spaying and neutering pet cats and dogs. I'm sure you know about the pet-overpopulation crisis, and with spring here, "kitten season" is, too. The time to alter cats is now.
There are many good Web sites that explain the benefits of spaying and neutering pets. Here is one: The Humane Society of the United States -- www.hsus.org (use the search feature and type in "Why you should spay or neuter your pet," and you'll find a wealth of information.
Low-cost spaying and neutering can be found through a local animal shelter or humane society. Additionally, it saves taxpayers' money, which in the long run is our own. But most important, altering our own pets spares the suffering and needless deaths of countless unwanted animals all over the United States every day.
Heloise, this is such an important issue, and I so hope you will give it the prominence it deserves. Thank you from all those lives you will change for the better. Jeanine Alesch, Fort Worth, Texas
Jeanine, consider it done. Your letter was the perfect catalyst. As many people say, the kindest cut of all is to get your pet fixed -- it will improve your pet's life and prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
After visiting he Humane Society Web site, we found such other beneficial information as "Where to Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered" and "Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering" -- other articles worth reading. Heloise
Dear Readers: Cindy Esquivel of Barnstead, N.H., sent a photo of Casper and Cody hopping down the doggy trail to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Cindy said it took quite a few treats to get them to sit together long enough to snap a picture. Visit my Web site, www.heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see the photo. Heloise
Dear Heloise: For pets needing exercise, try a laser-pointer pen, often used in presentations and found at office-supply stores. I have a golden retriever and two cats who absolutely love it. It is also a great gift idea for elderly family members who want to play with their pets but have a hard time picking up the pet's toys. Sandy Burkett, via e-mail
Be sure to read the packaging and any warnings about pointing it into the eyes. Also, a flashlight in a low-lit room works just as well. Heloise
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax to (210) HELOISE, or e-mail heloise@heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate