Western Arizona Humane Society
Victoria Cowper,
Community Relations Manager

This is a regular column, presented every two weeks to provide information about pet and animal care, including the legal responsibilities of pet ownership. We invite you to send your questions to answer in upcoming issues.
Please send your questions and comments to the Today's News Herald or directly to me a W.A.H.S. 855-5083 or wahs@ctaz.com




Everyday we receive many unwanted and homeless animals. While some find good homes, others do not and they must be euthanized. You can help us control pet over-population - spay and neuter your pets.

Why is it so important to spay/neuter my companion animal?
Spay/neutering your companion animal makes a big difference in preventing pet over-population. Spay/neutering prevents accidental and unwanted pregnancies. A female cat with one litter can be responsible for 420,000 cats being born in a 6-year period. A female dog with one litter can be responsible for 62,000 dogs being born in a six-year period.

Aside from pet over-population, what are the additional benefits to spay/neutering my pet?
Spayed or neutered pets are generally better, more affectionate companions. They are less likely to roam, spray or mark territory, or be aggressive. Spayed females will not attract coyotes during mating season. There are many health benefits to spay/neutering your pet. Spaying can prevent breast cancer, eliminate the risk of uterine infections, uterine or ovarian cancer and some skin disorders. Neutering can prevent testicular disease and greatly lessen the risk of prostate disease. Spayed/neutered companion animals tend to live an average of 2-3 years longer.

At what age can I spay/neuter my pet?
Cats must be at least 2 months old and weigh more than 2 pounds. Dogs must be at least 2 months old and weigh at least 4 pounds.

I've heard that a spayed/neutered animal will get fat and lazy. Is this true? Emphatically, no. For the health of your animal, you should keep your pet lively and trim with proper diet and exercise.

How does the Western Arizona Humane Society promote spay/neutering your pet?
We participate on several levels. First, is education. Through columns like this, live presentations and classroom participation we are constantly spreading the message to spay/neuter your pet. We encourage owners to be responsible before they are faced with unwanted animals. Second, all of the companion animals adopted from the Humane Society are spayed/neutered. We also have our SNIP program

What is the SNIP Program?
SNIP (Spay/Neuter Incentive Program) provides low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for income eligible participants. Since it's inception on 1992, SNIP has provided assisitance in Lake Havasu City and Mohave County to over 7400 pets.

How is SNIP funded?
SNIP is funded through donations and fundraisers. Duck Derby 2000 is the largest fundraiser (and friendraiser) of the year, with proceeds benefiting the SNIP Program.

What is Duck Derby 2000?
Imagine a beautiful, sunny Lake Havasu Saturday (September 30th to be exact) with the sun glistening off the water under the London Bridge. Now imagine rubber ducks floating down the channel directly in front of Olde English Village and you have Duck Derby 2000.
You can Adopt A Duck at the Western Arizona Humane Society for $5.00, or Adopt A Flock of 5 Ducks for $30.00 that includes a commemorative T-shirt. The rubber duck race is at 11:00 a.m., with the first place duck receiving $1000.00 cash, 2nd place $250.00 cash and 3rd place $100.00 cash. We even have a $50.00 cash prize for the duck that finishes last.

What else happens at Duck Derby 2000?
We have a Corporate Duck Race. Start with a Mallard decoy and duckorate it to reflect your unique business image. All of the duckorated ducks are displayed at the Ducktail Party, Wednesday, September 27th at Shugrue's Bridgeview Room at 6:00 pm., then they race at 10:00 am on Saturday. Corporate Ducks are $75.00 for WAHS Members and $100.00 for Non-Members and includes 2 tickets to the Ducktail Party, Entry to the Corporate Duck Race and a commemorative T-shirt. The public is welcome and tickets can be purchased for $15.00 to the Ducktail Party.
There is the Service Club Challenge Race at 12:15. The service club with the most ducks will win $100.00 cash. The service club, or individuals within the service clubs, can purchase flocks to sponsor their organization. Half of the proceeds from the special Service Club Challenge Race will be divided among 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. We will also have carnival type duck theme games, face painting, a coloring contest, a Waddle Like A Duck contest, and a Quack Like A Duck contest. All the activities start at 9:00 am till noon.

Thank you to all of our sponsors who contribute to underwrite this event. Signature Sponsors: Bennett & Company, Eyes of Arizona, Hellwig Financial Services and Mohave Sate Bank. Ducktail Party Sponsors: Appraisal Services, Expressions Home Lighting and Décor, Hodel Properties, Lifeline Marine Race Products, The Mail & Business Center, Pauline's & Pauline's Plus Fashions, Senior Murphies & Taco Hacienda. Special Thanks: CableVision, Goodtime DJ's, Lake Havasu City, London Bridge Resort, Natural Tease, Olde English Village Merchants Association, TV-45 and Z-Fax.

The dedicated staff and volunteers at the Western Arizona Humane Society are available to answer questions, refer you to an expert, or assist you in the selection of a companion animal.