Neutral about Neutering ?

I was debating whether to mention something about Atticus in the earlier post. I realize that apart from just letting me express my feelings and experiences, my blog can also serve as a guide for future puppy parents. Of course since every dog is different what I am about to write may not be true for all. Two weeks after Dec 11th 2008, Srik and I decided to get Atti neutered. Do I sense shock or did you just roll your eyes as you read this. I don't know if it was the right thing to do, there is no right or wrong, but in my opinion, I felt he needed it. The primary reason was because the population of unwanted pets just keeps growing. There are about millions dogs and cats that have to be euthanized because they just cant find a home. The next reason was neutering could reduce the risk of certain health problems and could increase the life span of the pet. Finally I just didn't think I could do justice in taking the responsibility of getting Atti to breed. It is a continual process and there are so many rules to follow. I don't say that just because it is cumbersome for me but also because I care about Atti and I didn't want him to be harmed in any way. So we went through with it. It was a simple surgery, Atti was kept under observation for one night and we brought him home the next morning. The doctor advised minimal activity for about a week so that the stitches wouldn't tear. Atti did ok, however after a week or so, he started to act rebellious. It was almost like there was this anger in him, what? how ? I cant tell you till this day. Some say, maybe he was just mad that he was being neutered, or another point of reasoning could be that he was just acting like a teenager ( he was about 6 months then) and maybe it was his hormones. I will need to explain how he would have these outbursts. Atti would suddenly just hate his leash and start biting on it or pulling at it. He would growl and bark and it took us a lot to calm him down. Sometimes he would get hold of our jackets and tug at it so hard. Sometimes it would actually hurt our wrists, if he bit too hard. Atti would act violently out of the blue, like during his walk or when we are at home, resting. No particular reason- almost puzzled me. He mostly did this with Srikanth. It pained me sometimes because I didn't understand what was going on with Atti and I guess he didn't too. In about 2-3 weeks Atti was back to normal .no outrage, no anger no biting or growling. As far as I have read neutering was supposed to calm dogs, that is aggressive dogs could/would become calmer, but I didn't read anywhere about such a reverse reaction. It was a phase, a tough one but it passed and all was well.

Ruff Ruff into 2009

I apologize for the delay. I should have kicked myself into writing this earlier. I am going to start off from Dec 11th 2008. Thats the day Srik and I got back from vacation and we went straight to Dirk's house to get Atticus. Dirk told me it was as though Atti knew he was going home that day. He told me he was a little extra hyper and he was just different ! Well, I didnt quite understand it then but as I write this , I am well aware of it and I have had to see it for myself, Atticus just knows, he can hear Srik or me coming even before one of us know. He would run to the door or his ears would sit up atleast about 2-3 minutes before you can actually hear the person come up the stairs. Flash back to Dec 11th again. So there he was, he had grown so much in 3 weeks, he was stockier,(Dirk had mentioned to me he was eating well) and he couldnt stop jumping, it took him an hour to settle down. He was one excited puppy !. I can recall us taking Atticus regularly for walks and making sure he got a lot of exercise since he was growing and it was the best way to channel his energy. This was also the month when I watched Atticus swim. It was completely unplanned. During a walk by the lake, I just walked really close to the boat ramp. I asked Srik to go a little further with Atti and I threw Srik's shoe into the water hoping Atti would fetch it. He did and that's when I watched him swim, He was a natural, so graceful and delightful. Srik did get his shoe back :). We were able to go to the lake only a few times after that since the winter was getting bitter and the water was too cold ,but as if Atti cared. Atti loved the cold. I used to shiver in the mornings while walking him even with my jacket, hat and gloves on, while he walked carefree in his shiny black coat. When the New Year ws approaching, I thought Atti would enjoy the fireworks but I was so worng. On the midnight of Dec 31st , when Atti heard the fireworks he was petrified. He didnt move and refused to budge for about an hour. I was so upset, He refused to come down even though he wanted to go. That was a long night. I swore to myself, I would never enjoy fireworks and they should be banned ! The New Year brought a wee bit of snow to Columbia (which is a rarity) and I took complete advantage. I got Atti to play with it and he sure did enjoy it.(http://picasaweb.google.com/srilak/AttiInTheSnow#). I request people from the lands of heavy snow not to sneer at these snaps. Atti began his 'Intermediate Education' classes in PetSmart with five other dogs. His lessons included heel,sit-stay with distractions,on your bed,stand. To be continued...