Thank you for publishing the Aug. 15 article cautioning students about adopting a pet without thoroughly thinking through the consequences.
Most of the behavior problems that owners experience with their pets result from the owner not having enough time to spend with the animal and give it the appropriate training. Dogs, especially, are very social animals and need companionship. Unless a person commits to spend time with their pet, they should expect problems.
Another issue that should be addressed is the problem of un-neutered and un-spayed animals. Unaltered animals can cause a lot of problems for their owners. Male dogs and cats are naturally more aggressive than neutered animals and tend to run away and want to roam. The heat cycle in female animals, on the other hand, causes them to become very stressed and produces discharge that can stain carpet and furniture. Also, there is a law in Stillwater that requires a female animal be kept indoors during her heat cycle. So, unless your female dog in heat can be left inside 24 hours a day, you may very well have to pay a fine.
Unfortunately, the cost for having a pet spayed or neutered can be very expensive. However, there is an organization in Stillwater that can help students with the cost. The Companion Animal Assistance Program (CAAP) offers low-cost spay/neuter assistance to people in need. Most students qualify. Students can obtain an application at the Stillwater Animal Welfare office at 1710 S. Main or by calling 377-0887.
Also, CAAP is hosting a mobile spay/neuter clinic at the Payne County Expo Center (east of town on Fairgrounds Road) on Sept. 8. If students would like to participate in this clinic, they should call the number above.
Nancy Stevens, president
Companion Animal Assistance Program
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