Who owns the back half?
Dear Dr. Forsythe: I have a dilemma with my Schnauzer and I really want to get him neutered. The problem is he is a “show dog” and I only own half of him. The co-owner and I can’t agree on neutering him. She insists he needs to finish his championship and sire a litter before I “ruin him.” From my standpoint, I am tired of him getting up on the coffee table leg and trying to mate it, urinating on all the doorways, and mounting my daughter’s stuffed animals. Please give me advice, since “Oliver” lives in OUR house.
The “Show” must go on
Dear Show: You said you owned half of the dog, so I need to know which half you own. It seems to me if you own the BACK half, your troubles are over. You simply tell your “c- owner” you are tired of the pee all over the house, the coffee table mating, and having your daughter witness Oliver mating with her Pooh bear. However, this could create quite a ruckus. Sometimes the contracts for show animals are quite specific and really based on the fact these bloodlines are important to the breed and if your male is truly a superb specimen, you may get huge resistance. If so, see if it is possible to have him “finish” in the show ring and get his championship as quickly as possible and sire the litter required as per his contract so he can be neutered. One other option for you would be to have your veterinarian take a semen catch from Oliver and freeze it for use at a later date when you decide to breed him. Then his neuter status will be of no importance with respect to breeding: it will only eliminate him from being able to participate in the show ring.
Speaking with your veterinarian and the co-owner together about the troubles you are experiencing as well as the health benefits of neutering this pet might offer a remedy. If the co-owner is hell-bent on finishing and will not concede, maybe she can house this amped up dude until he is ready to retire and then let you take over duties when he has sowed all his wild oats. Good luck dukeing this one out, and let me know if I can be of any help.
Dr. F.
Dear Dr. Forsythe: I wanted to take the time and write in and formally thank you for getting the injections for my dog Allie. She is doing really well and acting like a new pet. She is running around and not limping any more. This German Shepherd is like a puppy again. Whatever is in that injection, it’s like a miracle. Thanks Doc!
R.I., Sonoma
Dear R.I: Thanks for letting me know how great she is doing. Adequan is a concentrated Polysulphated Glycosaminoglycan, which are the “building blocks” for articular cartilage which surrounds all the joints in the body. These injections supply high amounts of the ingredients the synovial fluid needs to replenish and build healthy cartilage and keep the pet moving well. This medicine is amazing, and I have found it does much more than glucosamines and shark cartilage do for pets. I’m glad it’s helping your pet, and I appreciate you writing to say so.
Dr. F.
