How can I get my needs met?
Getting a Neuter or Spay Before Vaccinations
You’ve got a youngster you want to spay or neuter. (How young is it advisable to do this? Do your research.)
For one reason or another, you feel it’s important to delay vaccination for rabies, a common requirement in most neuter scenarios. “First, a rabies vaccine, then we can do this surgery. Of course, we can do them both at once.” (That later offer should not be entertained; more next week right here on the blog.)
Common reasons to delay vaccines include:
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I’d like to wait till he’s free of symptoms, while I work with my homeopathic vet to cure his inherited chronic disease.
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I have read about the harm possible from even one rabies vaccination and think I can avoid exposure to a rabid animal.
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Rabies is rare where I live.
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This animal will be indoors or out only on a leash.
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I’ll get out and even travel to shows, but keep my dog in my control at all times.
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I can also keep this animal from biting anyone.
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Lovely temperament.
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I’ll keep her in my control when ever we’re out.
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I’ll avoid situations where a bite could be a possible scenario.
Learn from Your Pack
“You are the sum of the top five people you hang around with.”
Have you heard this popular saying? I use it to recommend that you hang with peeps who think like you do about raising Vital Animals. No telling what you’ll learn.
Here’s one example, from a reader on a recent post, Duration of Immunity and Rabies Vaccination. Destiny gave you some great tips to get your goals met on your own terms:
Btw, I would stop asking vets if they will neuter without a rabies vaccine. I used to ask that way and some vets would agree at first but then change their mind, and I don’t want them turning me in. I just now make an appointment, don’t bring paperwork. When they ask, either 1) make up a vaccine date and say you’ll bring paperwork later or 2) say, “Yes, he’s current. I was in a rush and forgot the papers. I will bring them next time” and just forget. Normally they don’t keep asking… At least in my experience. My … got 5 of her Pomeranians spayed that way. Usually spay/neuter clinics WILL be more strict and need to see proof. Most vets don’t really care if you say yes….”
Use Your Words, Dear. Don’t Punch the Nice Man.
You see what she did there? Destiny learned from experience that asking the wrong questions got her the wrong answers. What did she do?
She stopped asking.
She starting acting in a way that got her goal reached, taking control of the situation. “Here’s my dog, she needs to be spayed.” Made the appointment, showed up, and used the words that got the job done.
Can you walk in like you own the place? In a friendly way, of course, but keeping your eyes on the goal:
I need this for my animal at this point in her life, not a bunch of other risky options that I’ll be offered. I’ll keep clear about my intention and get it done.
Don’t Borrow Trouble
I love that old saying! Asking how many shots you need to board at this kennel is inviting an interaction that you want none of! Far better is to have clearly in mind what you want (ex: boarding, with no additional vaccinations!), and setting up your interaction to get to the goal.
Boarding, grooming, licensing (or not!), these are all areas you’ve got to have a plan for.
As I’m regularly reminded, being a pioneer isn’t easy. It’s just necessary for many of us.
Whatever you choose, however many roads you travel, I hope that you choose not to be a lady. I hope you will find some way to break the rules and make a little trouble out there. And I also hope that you will choose to make some of that trouble on behalf of women.” [Commencement Address, Wellesley College, 1996] ― Nora Ephron
Perhaps you’ve had similar experiences of making Jedi mind games. Won’t you share them in the comments?
