Bill’s two Labradors, Tess and Loretta, hang out at the Bourke Accounting office. They have comfy beds, strategically placed, along with toys here and there. There is a jar of puppy treats in the break room – Bookkeeper Barbara is notorious for spoiling the girls. These puppies are sincerely loved (if Tess, who is rather shy, says “hello” to you, consider yourself very special and count on having good luck for the rest of the day).

But. What about those dogs who aren’t quite so lucky?

Case in point: I had a pal who lived in a not-so-nice city in New Jersey. When I went to pick him up, I’d park my car, carefully scan the area, sprint to his door and ring the bell. Over and over, frantically.

When it was time to leave, we’d peek through the blinds, look for movement and, if all was clear, we’d run, full tilt, to the car.

We weren’t avoiding zombies or naughty muggers. My friend lived in a neighborhood that, among other things, showcased a roving pack of feral dogs. These were not mischievous, singing Disney strays. Oh, no. These were slat thin, sickly and vicious canines. I saw the pack, from a distance, only twice. Twice was two more than needed.

As I have always been a dog lover, it made me sad that I was frightened by these guys. Obviously, I was also upset that these dogs, who should have been snoring peacefully next to a fireplace somewhere, were shivering and eating trash. Where did they come from? Of course, some probably got out of the yard and became lost. Some, maybe, were set “free” by owners who couldn’t (or wouldn’t) care for them.

I’d hazard a guess that the majority of these dogs were born on the street.

According to Dosomething.org, “approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes” to care for them. While this is incredibly heartbreaking, it is also incredibly preventable. Like Bob Barker, animal activist and gameshow host, used to say at the end of every The Price is Right episode: Have your pets spayed or neutered.

Besides helping with animal homelessness, altering Little Miss Sparkle Paws has many health benefits. For example, “spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors…and neutering…prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems” (ASPCA.org). In addition, spaying ensures that you can avoid Little Miss Sparkle Paws’ lady time (seriously, no puppy wants to wear a diaper and how many times do you want to replace the carpet?).

Finally, there are behavioral advantages to neutering. Generally, the boys calm down a little, stop jumping the fence to make the acquaintance of the cute dog next door and will probably quit getting romantic with your kid’s stuffed animals.

We are animal lovers at Bourke Accounting. Pretty much everyone here has some sort of pet. Bourke Accounting experts aren’t just well-versed in proper pet care, they are well-versed in proper customer care. Our Bourke Accounting professionals will treat you just as gently as they would a shelter dog walking into her Forever Home for the first time. Our Bourke Accounting specialists won’t leave you to fend for yourself in an ever-changing and confusing world (and they won’t let you eat trash, either).

Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!

Written by Sue H.