[alice's mommy]

Zumie05: I know this will probably get everyone all riled up, but here're my old-fashioned, backwards reasons for wanting Arthur fixed at 6.5 months. :)

1. I see no joy in letting testosterone course through his veins.
2. I don't want to have to deal with any puberty type issues with him coming into his manhood.
3. I realize that he might grow lanky/bitch-like but this has no issue for me. I didn't fall for this breed for the sizeable look of them, but for the intelligence and past experiences I've had with "good" rotties. Heck, I tried to get the runt of a litter (BYB - turned it down). She was a tiny little thing I was going to name Alice (hence my moniker) but when the breeder told me to get her at 5 weeks I passed and lost my deposit.
4. My vet says there is no correlation to neutering and bone cancer (I know what you all say...I'm not disagreeing with you, just relaying her words).
5. I've had the date circled on my calendar since I brought him home. :)

So, Arthur is becoming my little castrati on Monday and I'm very happy with my decision. We all talk about stopping BYB's and neutering dogs....well, Arthur (turned out) was definitely from a BYB and I have never had any intentions of breeding him. While there are varying opinions on WHEN to neuter, there is little disagreement that one SHOULD neuter to stop the continuations of BYBs. As to when I neuter MY animal, you may all respect my decision or not....but it is mine alone to make. :)