MIRROR EXTRA 30 MARCH 2012 CONDOLENCES 'Helen Rackham passed away peacefully at home on the 23rd March in the UK and will be sadly missed by Adrian and family.' +++++++ STEPHEN MILLAR Stephen passed away suddenly and peacefully at home in Owlswood Cottage on Wednesday 28th March, at 07.45 hrs having enjoyed his regular Tuesday bridge. He was a gentleman - kind, caring and a wonderful father to Colin, Janet/Jan, Andrew and Richard, grandfather to Bronwyn and Timothy, Nicholas and Christopher, Chelsea and Steph, he was "Mr Rotary" and a pillar of society and special friend to many. A memorial service for the late STEPHEN MILLAR will be held at the WHITESTONE CHAPEL on Monday 2nd April 2012, at 3 pm. Our sincere thanks for all the text messages, phone calls, emails and visits. They're much appreciated. Family email address jicsj@yoafrica.com +++++++ SPENCER - NEIL ANTHONY. 2.07.1967 - 17.01.2012 Precious son, and brother, of Pat and Bryan, and Trevor. Suddenly in Ireland. We'll be loving you - not for just an hour, not for just a day, not for just a year, but always. Congratulations on your posthumous award - your Higher Certificate in Electronics Engineering. We will be at your Graduation in November. Thank you, Neil, for your steadfast courage and determination, your love, compassion for others, hard work and great laugh. Fly High! email - ct303b@yoafrica.com trevor.spencer2@btinternet.com ++++++ EVENTS IN BULAWAYO THIS WEEKEND Something Different: Busking, Cake Sale and Face Painting at Zonkizizwe Saturday 31st March, From 9 to 11:30 In support of the Academy of Music +++++++++ INTERNATIONAL ANTI-POACHING FOUNDATION BLACK TIE DINNER AND AUCTION!!!!! FRIDAY 20TH APRIL 2012 6.30PM MYSTIQUE FUNCTION CENTRE, BYO DRESS: BLACK TIE WITH A SAFARI THEME TICKETS: $65 PER PERSON (INCLUDES 3 COURSE DINNER AND A BOTTLE OF WINE). WE HAVE SOME AWESOME ITEMS TO AUCTION SUCH AS 2 SETS OF SIGNED LARRY NORTON PRINTS, ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY CALLA VAN ZYL, STAYS AT SIKUMI TREE LODGE, BUMI HILLS SAFARI LODGE, GORGES LODGE, VIC FALLS SAFARI LODGE AND MORE! OUR STAR PRIZE OF THE EVENING IS A 2 NIGHT STAY FOR 2 PEOPLE AT THE EXCLUSIVE SINGITA PAMUSHANA LODGE IN THE LOWVELD!! WE WILL HAVE THE CHICKENBUS BAND FROM VICTORIA FALLS ENTERTAINING US FOR THE NIGHT AS WELL AS THE MINISTER OF TOURISM GIVING A SPEECH! PLEASE CONTACT GARDENS AND EVENTS ON 0773266997 OR events@qualityservice.com TO BOOK YOUR TICKET. BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH MYSTIQUE FUNCTION CENTRE, THE MAIL BOX, CREATIVE CENTRE AND THE AFRICAN HUNTER AND FISHERMAN MAGAZINE. ++++ AMAZING AUTUMN GARDEN CONCERT Music for all tastes!! Fundraiser Crime Awareness Bulawayo 31st March 2012 26 on Park Restaurant From 6 pm - 10 pm Tickets Pre-Booked US$ 8 per person At Door US$ 10 per person Pre-booked picnic baskets for sale at US$ 12 per head All Tickets available from: 26 on Park Restaurant which is located at 26 Park Street, Suburbs From 1st March 2012 ++++++++ 'Art in the Garden' at Pembroke Place, 31st March at 2pm. Join us for an afternoon of classy culture and entertainment. Entrance fee $1, refreshments will be available from the coffee shop whilst you browse amongst the talent artists we have! Exhibitors please contact Gardens and Events on 0773266997 or events@qualityservice.com to book your stand! Hurry as space is limited. +++++++ BULAWAYO FLORAL GROUP. Greetings to you all. Our next meeting will bee held at our usual venue, Church of Ascension, Hillside, at 2.30pm on Wednesday 4th April 2012. Bee warned! Bee there! Judy Ross will be joining us to give us a Bee Talk. We hope the hall will bee a-buzz with enthusiasm to hear all about these interesting little creatures and how important they are in our gardens. Following on from the last meeting our exhibitors titles for this month are :- A Mass and/or vertical arrangement and 'Happy Easter.' Tea and coffee will bee served. Entrance by donation - free for pensioners. Please come and join us for a relaxing and informative afternoon and have fun with flowers. See you there! +++++++ BRAND WIZARD Pens printed with your own logo for as little as US$0,75 ea !! Give your brand a BOOST with our exceptional range of promotional products including t-shirts, glassware, plates, mugs, mousepads, coasters, keyrings, pens and more . . . WE OFFER FULL COLOUR PHOTO QUALITY PRINTS Ring us on 0779 622 122 or e-mail brandwizbyo@gmail.com Thank you, Nomtha. ++++++ 30TH ANNIVERSARY GIRLS' COLLEGE BULAWAYO The Headmistress, Mrs. Ross, Staff and Pupils, extend an invitation to all those who have been connected in the last 30 years with Girls' College, to join them in a Service of Thanksgiving. The Service will be held on Wednesday 4th April, at 9.00am in the College Grounds. Tea will be served after the Thanksgiving Service. RSVP Office 258118/9 e-mail: headsec@girlscol.co.zw +++++++ SATURDAY 31ST MARCH - ALLIANCE FRANCAISE PRODUCTION "MERDERIC SOLIGNON" A 5 PIECE JAZZ BAND FROM FRANCE - TIME 7PM TICKETS ON SALE AT THE THEATRE - TICKETS $7 BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT +++++ Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe ZITF 2012 in Bulawayo from the 24th to the 28th of April 2012. Over on hundred forty five thousand, six hundred and forty six key decision makers visited 834 exhibiting companies and organisations at ZITF 2011. A number of countries proudly displayed their manufactured products and services. These countries include: Botswana, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Turkey and Zambia. ZITF 2012 is focused on: Equipment and expertise for agricultural development. Machinery supplies for infra-structural development. Value-addition ideas and equipment for the mining, manufacturing and tourism sectors Technology for ICT development Consultancy services and products for energy and water provision for the African economy, By exhibiting at ZITF 2012 you will be granted access to mining houses, associations, consumers, manufacturers, press and retailers in southern Africa. Spread across five days, this is an opportunity to showcase your products and services effectively. ZITF 2012 in Bulawayo from the 24th to the 28th of April 2012. ++++++++ Come and let the whole family experience the Easter story together. - A live donkey will welcome you to Jerusalem to being the story of Jesus death and resurrection. - A snack will be shared as you witness Jesus eating with His 12 disciples at the last supper. - Children will make a cross as they hear the story about the crucifixion of Jesus. - Enter the dark tomb where Jesus was buried. - Rejoice as you walk out of the darkness and into the light of His resurrection. You will walk as a group from area to area. The whole experience takes about 30 minutes, with fun and games to follow. Come anytime between 9 am - 12 noon Saturday 31 March Community Brethren in Christ Church Theological College of Zimbabwe Gwanda Rd. at Riverside Rd. (Opposite NUST) There is no charge. It will be a time to remember! Children must be accompanied by adults. ++++ Fit for Living Fitness Vacation Program Fact: fitness is a resource for your mental and physical well being, If you are a student on vacation, come and join this exciting fitness vacation program designed with you in mind!! Come and increase your energy levels, meet new people, and relieve any stress. Being healthy and fit increases your ability to concentrate, retain information and lifts your overall confidence. This is one intense and fun month that will change your life. Where: Fit for Living Dates: April 2012 Holidays Time: 0830-0930 HRS or 1630-1730HRS What is it?: Combination of Spin, Aerobics,Boot Camp and weight training. Cost: $50 Don't miss this amazing opportunity. Tell your friends about it! Call the numbers below or come in person to book and get more details. Contact: Des- 0772 385 014, Loveness- 0772 546 897 Find us: Inside Spire Circle @ZITF-Access via Gate 4. Admin Office Fit for Living Fitness Center Spire Circle@ ZITF- Access via Gate 4 Site# FS4 ZITF, Bulawayo Phone: +263772 546897 +263772 375365 Fitness:a resource for life! +++++++++ DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH MINI BAZAAR FRIDAY 30TH MARCH, 2012 @ 5PM IN DRC HALL CNR GEO SILUNDIKA STREET /13TH AVENUE. ON SALE TO EAT BOEREWORS ROLLS HAMBURGERS PANNEKOEK (PANCAKES) TEAS & COFFEE & CAKE COLD DRINKS TO BUY MELKTERT KOEKSISTERS BACON CRAZY'S DELICIOUS PORK PRODUCTS OUR FAMOUS HOMEMADE BOEREWORS HANDMADE CANDELABRA FOR THE INEVITABLE ZESA CUTS PLANTS & SUZIE'S POTTING SOIL AND MORE. THERE WILL BE LIMITED TABLES AVAILABLE AT R 100 FOR OTHER PRODUCTS. PLEASE CONTACT LIZETTE ON 280725 TO BOOK. PLEASE JOIN YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WITH US FOR SOME DELICIOUS TAKEAWAYS AND GOOD COMPANY. WE THANK OUR REGULAR SUPPORTERS AND WELCOME NEW ONES. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. +++++++ Alliance Francaise de Bulawayo UPCOMING EVENT Mederic Collignon and Jazz Quartet Jus de Bocse Mederic Collignon is a grand master of improvisation. Recognized as much for his often amazing vocals as for his mastery of the cornet (an instrument he now prefers to the trumpet) this brilliant instrumentalist possesses a wildly fertile imagination. His amazing versatility has allowed him to explore a multitude of musical styles including cool jazz, rhythm and blues, free jazz, contemporary electro-acoustic music as well as big band and orchestral. Don't miss this unique live Jazz performance by French cornet player Mederic Collignon and his dynamic quartet "Jus de Bocse" on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Bulawayo Theatre. Mederic Collignon - cornet, fluegelhorn, voice Franck Woeste - Fender Rhodes Philippe Gleizes - drums Frederic Chiffoleau - double bass 7pm for 7.30, Saturday the 31st of March 2012 @ Bulawayo Theatre Club Tickets: $7 available from Bulawayo Theatre and at the door. ++++++ Khayelihle Children's Village Board of Directors, the Fundraising Committee and the children of Khayelihle Children's Village (KCV) are kindly inviting you to their annual fundraising dinner dance on the 30th of March 2012 from 6:00pm till late, to help raise funds for the upkeep of children at the Village. Khayelihle Children's Village (KCV) is a non-profit making welfare organization (registration number W/O 3/94) that takes care of abandoned, vulnerable and orphaned children. You are invited to; i) Buy dinner tickets for the function to be held at the Bulawayo Club at $40-00 each, $70 for a couple or group booking for $350 for a table of ten. A cash bar will be available. There will also be lots of entertainment from the KCV children, Say Band and Siyaya Dance Group. ii) Donate items to be auctioned at the dinner or donate directly to Khayelihle Children's Village. For more details, please contact Thembi on 09-76144 or 0772 581 851 Thanking you in anticipation. Thembi Mbambo DSR Officer +++++++ ACCOMMODATION IN ZIMBABWE FOR EASTER AND Z.I.T.F. Accommodation in Bulawayo STONESTHROW COTTAGE.....an affordable, self-catering cottage with swimming pool and large garden. Perfect for families. Accommodation consists of 2 bedrooms; one with double bed and one with 2 x 3/4 beds. An additional single bed and futon also available. There is a backup generator and water supply. Centrally located to shops, restaurants and schools. Contact Belinda on 0772261092 or email sparrowsmith@yoafrica.coms ++++ ZITF 2012 Exhibitors ' Accommodation offered 3 bedroomed furnished house in the quiet area of Hillside, 3 km from the ZITF grounds and close to Hillside shops. Very secure. Available from 22-29 April 2012 Email renita@yoafrica.com ++++++++ Bed and breakfast in the quiet area of Killarney, 5 km from City centre and close to Centenary School. Very secure. Available from 22-29 April 2012. Nearest shopping centre - Ascot Shopping Mall. Email: gabriellaranielle@gmail.com ++++ 'CHILILA' LAKESIDE COTTAGES IN BINGA ON THE ZAMBEZI. SPECIAL FOR JANUARY TO JUNE 2012 STAY 3 NIGHTS AND GET THE 4TH FOR FREE. HIRE A SKIMMER FOR 3 DAYS AND GET THE 4TH FOR FREE. HIRE A HOUSEBOAT FOR 8 PAX FOR 3 DAYS AND GET THE 4TH DAY AT HALF PRICE(excludes fuel) SHADY CAMPSITE WITH VIEW OF THE LAKE,HOT & COLD WATER IN ABLUTIONS, SCULLERY & LAUNDRY AREA, WOOD FOR BRAAI PROVIDED TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY WEATHER IS GOOD , FISH BITING PHONE 0772261174 0712415601 Email Chilila@econetmobile.co.zw Website www.chililacottages.com ++++++ ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE FOR APRIL HOLIDAY'S @ B.D, INHASORRO, MOZAMBIQUE Breeze's Lodge - 3 Chalet's which sleep 4 people each. Main lodge with cooking & dining facilities & 3 extra beds. Contact Peggy 09-230225 / 0712 456 414 ++++ Mozambique in the April holidays - Just 34km North East of Beira lies RIO SAVANE. Nestled beneath a large coconut grove between the Savane River and the open sea. The campsite offers basic facilities: gauzed barracas, ablution blocks, beach showers, bar, ice and limited freezer and cold-room space. There are 4 self-catering units (bungalows). Access to the spit is by motorized dhow, with porters on hand to move all your baggage. Safe parking is provided for guests' vehicles across the river. Contact Jenny 0772 324 333 or jenny@corinium.co.zw +++++++ NEHIMBA - HWANGE VALENTINE SPECIAL VALID FOR ZIMBABWE RESIDENTS FROM: 13 - 26 February 2012 MINIMUM 2 NIGHTS STAY RATE: $200 PER PERSON PER NIGHT CHILDREN: 50% under 12 years!!!!!! OPTIONAL: Return transfers $25 per person PACKAGE INCLUDES: Accommodation All Meals 2 Activities daily Drinks: Beers Wines Soft Drinks Excludes: Park entry Fee $5 Drinks: Spirits For Reservations: email: reservations@nehimba.com Tel: 73039 67449 ++++++ Nehimba Photographic Lodge - Hwange APRIL SPECIAL Valid from 12 March to 28 April 2012 for Zimbabwean Residents Book for 1 night and Pay US$ 180.00 all inclusive per person per night sharing Book for 2 nights and rather pay US$ 150.00 all inclusive per person per night sharing Book for three nights and pay US$ 110.00 all inclusive per person per night sharing. All inclusive: All meals,3 activities daily, drinks , tea, coffee. Excludes: Premier brand drinks, Park entry fees. Terms and conditions apply! Transfers collections from Main Camp Nehimba Main Camp $ 30.00 For reservations: Travel AfriKa 67449 73039 or email reservations@nehimba.com +++++ UMFULA ADVENTURES TIME TO RE-AWAKEN THE SENSES!! TIME TO CHILL!! · Experience log fires by the tranquillity of the dam or settled in homely accommodation up on the hill with serene, stunning views in natural, unspoilt surroundings! Relaxed, stress-free comfort, hearty home-cooked meals; 4 delightful bedrooms; lounge; DSTV; fans in rooms; laundry on request; secure parking; tea/coffee station; indaba pit; volley ball; expansive lawns with pool, braai, patio, terrace for outdoor entertainment. Bush breakfasts, picnic luncheons, bush sundowners on request. No self-catering. B & B or D. B & B rates. · Day guests, camping facilities in shaded indigenous woodland setting by private fishing dam. Braai packs, drinks, wood, coal, and ice available. · Kilometres of unspoilt, bush trails waiting to be explored - either by bike, foot or vehicle. Bush picnic sites. · Perfect stopover for travelers enroute to or from South Africa. · Parents/children - a place to chill over the exeat weekend! 25km from Falcon school. · Location - 28km from Byo. off Jo'burg Rd. 8km from Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage. · Corporate functions, weddings, seminars, family celebrations, birthday parties etc. - tailor made to suit your needs! E.g. outdoor dinners, picnic luncheons, sundowners, bush ceremonies. · OPENING SPECIALS! We are here to accommodate needs that are above the ordinary!! May we exceed your expectations and overwhelm you through all you see, feel and experience!! For more information, rates etc. please contact Larissa on 0779 250 886 or email umfulaadventures@gmail.com ++++++ Pomene Ridge is situated on the idyllic Pomene Estuary in a remote part of the Mozambique coast between Vilanculos and Inhambane. There are six thatched beach lodges, each with three bedrooms (can sleep 6 people), an open plan kitchen and living area and toilet / shower. The lodges each have beautiful views of the sea and the estuary and it is less than a five minute walk to the beach. They are fully equipped for self catering including kitchenware, a Minus 40 fridge and a freezer, gas stove, all linen and towels (not beach towels). Each house has a generator but guests are required to provide their own fuel for this. Prices are $125/house/night in Peak season and $100/house/night for Off Peak Season. Please contact Shayle Duckworth on shayle_duckworth@yahoo.com for any bookings or queries. ++++++++ GORGES LODGE EASTER SPECIAL Pay for 2 nights and stay for 3! Valid from 6 - 10 April 2012 Phone 245051/243064 or email Co-ordinating Zimbabwe on gorges.reservations@coz.co.zw for more information +++++ ACCCOM IN ZIM Have you ever been horse riding in the cool, lush, soft, green Chimanimani Mountains ? WELL FROG AND FERN ARE IN BUSINESS AGAIN. DEE AND JANE ARE BACK IN CHIMANIMANI SEE THEIR NEW WEBSITE Phone 0775920440 www.thefrogandfern.com janedee2009@hotmail.com +++++ THE IDEAL PLACE FOR A WEDDING OR CONFERENCES FOR N.G.O.S IN THE BINGA AREA KULIZWE LODGE BINGA http://www.kulizwelodge.com/ Swimming pool, large outdoor conference facility ideal for NGO's. and weddings. A little paradise on the shores of Lake Kariba. Beautiful shady camp sites virtually on the edge of the lake. First class ablution and laundry facilities. Also 6 very basic equipped fisherman's chalets, each sleeping 4 people. Phone +263 15 545 Phone +263 15 286 text message +263 773 666 243 e mail Kulizwe@iwayafrica.co.zw ++++++ Are you thinking of BREEDING your dog? There is only one reason why any dog should be bred, be it male or female, and that is if BOTH the dogs are PERFECT specimens of their breed, faultless of any hereditary flaws of diseases and can contribute to the improvement of that specific breed. Do you know that if you have 2 female dogs and you let them breed every time they are in season, in 8 years you could be responsible for 1,562,498 dogs! Don't believe that? Have a look at these figures: So let's say that you have 2 female dogs and work out how well they can produce in 8 years. Total Population right now 2 dogs In year 1: Let's say they produce 4 puppies twice a year. They would breed; 2 Female dogs x 4 puppies each x 2 times a year 16 pups Total population; 16 puppies + your 2 female dogs 18 dogs In year 2: Let's say that half of the 16 puppies are female They would breed; 8 Females x 4 pups x 2 times a year 64 pups Their mothers would breed; 2 x 4 x 2 times a year 16 pups Giving you a total of =80 pups And giving us a total of 2 + 18 + 80 =98 dogs In year 3: Let's say that half of the 80 puppies are female They would breed; 40 Females x 4 pups x 2 times a year =320 pups Their mothers would breed; 8 x 4 x 2 times a year =64 pups The original mothers would breed; 2 x 4 x 2 times a year =16 pups Giving you a total of =400 pups And giving us a total of 400 + 98 =498 dogs In year 4: Let's say that half of the 400 puppies are female They would breed; 200 Females x 4 pups x 2 times a year =1600 pups Their mothers would breed; 40 x 4 x 2 times a year =320 pups 'Their' mothers would breed; 8 x 4 x 2 times a year =64 pups The original mothers would breed; 2 x 4 x 2 times a year =16 pups Giving you a total of =2000 pups And giving us a total of 498 + 2000 =2498 dogs In year 5: Let's say that half of the 2000 puppies are female They would breed 1000 Females x 4 puppies x 2 times a year =8000 pups Their ancestors will breed; =2000 pups Giving you a total of 10000 pups And giving us a total of 2498 + 10000 =12498 dogs In year 6: Let's say that half of the 10000 puppies are female They would breed; 5000 Females x 4 puppies x 2 times a year =40000 pups Their ancestors will breed =10000 pups Giving you a total of =50000 pups And giving us a total of 12498 + 50000 =62498 dogs In year 7: Let's say that half of the 50000 puppies are female They would breed; 25000 Females x 4 puppies x 2 times a year =200000 pups Their ancestors will breed =50000 pups Giving you a total of =250000 pups And giving us a total of 62498 + 250000 =312498 dogs In year 8: Let's say that half of the 250000 puppies are female They would breed; 125000 Females x 4 puppies x 2 times a year =1000000 pups Their ancestors will breed =250000 pups Giving you a total of =1250000 pups And giving us a total of 312498 + 1250000 =1562498 dogs SO IN 8 YEARS YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR 1,562,498 MORE DOGS! And let us be realistic: how many of these dogs you are responsible for are actually going to find permanent, loving homes? VERY FEW. There is already a huge problem with homeless, unwanted and unloved dogs, please don't contribute to this problem! Think before you breed your dogs. Just because you think you have a 'good looking' dog and want to cross it with your friend's (or your own) 'good looking' dog, it doesn't mean that you are going to get even better puppies which have both parent's traits! You may end up with puppies that are the complete opposite of what you thought you would get! Or if you want to cross two different breeds, because they are both good guard dogs, or whatever the reason you might want to do such a silly thing, you are making a big mistake and doing nothing for the genetics of the two breeds involved. Why not leave that up to the professionals? And unfortunately there are some people who don't care about the future of the dogs they breed and sell, but do it only for their own monetary gain. Greedy, uneducated, heartless people. Is the money you want to make from selling the puppies really worth the unhappy lives that so many dogs live being sent from one home to the other, or worse, just dumped somewhere because they don't fit in with the family anymore or are too boisterous, aggressive, expensive to keep, etc. There are just not enough good homes for the amount of dogs around. Please, think about the dogs. If yours is not 100% suitable for breeding, consider having your dog or bitch sterilized. Spaying of Bitches This is the removal of the Ovaries and the Uterus. It is called an Ovariohysterectomy. For the best results it is better to spay the female dog before she is a year old, as this will ensure her the most protection from developing mammary cancer, which is quite prevalent in female dogs. It is not necessary to wait until the dog has had her first season and spaying does not stunt a dog's growth. A dog's maturity rate is unaffected by spaying as long as it is done after the dog is six months old. A dog does not have to have a litter before spaying. The dog's maternal instinct is not increased or decreased by having a litter or not. The dog will not become neurotic if she never has a litter! The correct age at which to spay or neuter dogs is a very controversial subject, therefore it is best to check with your vet. The procedure cannot be reversed. Spaying will not make your dog fat. However it does settle the dog down a bit, so they become less active, and that can cause a dog to put on weight. With the correct diet and exercise she will not gain weight. Advantages of Spaying: Less chance of developing mammary cancer. Pyometra, an infection of the uterus which can be very serious and even fatal, is prevented, either due to the removal of the organ (when Ovariohysterectomy is performed) and/or because of the lack of female sex hormones after spaying. Uterine and Ovarian cancer are prevented due to the removal of the susceptible organs. Decreases urine marking. Prevents cycling behaviours and bloody discharge associated with Oestrus (Season or Heat). Avoids disorders associated with pregnancy and giving birth. Less fighting amongst your male dogs, if you have any. No strange male dogs hanging around outside or inside your property when your female dog is in Season. No false pregnancies (Pseudo pregnancy/Pseudocyesis). No mood swings. Some bitches become moody, aloof, clingy, restless, irritable, or won't eat during their Season. No escaping going to look for a mate and getting lost, or worse, run over by a car. No need for sending her to kennels or making special plans to keep male dogs away from her. No unwanted puppies. Disadvantages of Spaying: Surgical risk. As with any operation there can be complications. Incontinence. A small number of spayed bitches become incontinent later in life, but this can be controlled with drug therapy. In some breeds, it is possible, but not inevitable, that spaying will cause a change in the growth and texture of the coat. This side effect is not generally associated with shorthaired or smooth-coated breeds, but unless you are showing your dog this should not be a problem for you. Weight gain. As the dog is not so active anymore she may gain weight, but with the correct diet and exercise this will not be a problem. Neutering or Castrating of male Dogs This is the surgical removal of the testicles. The operation can be carried out once the dog is six months old or at any time after that. The procedure cannot be reversed. Neutered male dogs may put on weight because after the procedure they may become less active, but with the correct diet and exercise there should be no problem. Roaming, aggressiveness and inappropriate mounting can be decreased by about 75% with Neutering. Advantages of Neutering: No more urinating to mark territory. No more roaming to find females in Season. The risk of prostate problems and related hernias are much reduced, due to the lack of Testosterone. No chance of testicular tumours. Reduces possessiveness over food or toys. May calm the dog down so he is not so dominant or aggressive to other animals or people. Does not make him 'girly'. No more mounting of the leg of people. No more howling, restlessness, depression, disobedience, loss of appetite for dogs that are confined and cannot get to a female in Season. No unwanted puppies. Disadvantages of Neutering Surgical risk. As with any operation there can be complications. Weight gain. As the dog is not so active anymore he may gain weight, but with the correct diet and exercise this will not be a problem. So if you really care about your dog, do consider spaying/neutering as a sterilized dog is more likely to live longer because of fewer health problems (no possibility of them developing testicular/uterine/ovarian cancer). And you will also be making sure you are not responsible for, and contributing to the problem of unwanted dogs. BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER. Please do not encourage the cruel dog trade going on in our country by purchasing puppies from unscrupulous breeders. Often the parents of these puppies are kept only for breeding purposes and don't know what a kind and caring home is. These dogs are usually bred and sold until they can no longer fulfill their purpose, and then they are euthanized or, as in many of cases, the dogs are neglected, unloved and worse. A puppy should not leave its mother and litter mates until it is 7 weeks of age. A good dog breeder will be willing to let you see BOTH parents of the litter, and where they are kept and how they are looked after. And a good dog breeder will be more concerned about finding each of the puppies a good home, not only about the monetary gain. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, please let me know what you think. Janine Cunningham Janine Cunningham beanpole89@gmail.com ++++