Millions of dogs and cats are euthanized every year in the United States. Most of these animals are perfectly sound and healthy. Due to the overpopulation and crowding in shelters most of these animals are put to death do to no fault of their own. I encourage everyone who has a dog or cat to please have your animal altered. It's healthier for your pet and you will help end the useless deaths of so many wonderful animals. If you plan to breed you pet, please reconsider. The only reason to ever breed your dog would be if it was a pure bred to improve upon the lines in that particular breed. Please do not breed your mixed breed dog, there are too many "mixes" in the shelters awaiting loving homes. Why are you planning to add more puppies and kittens to the world? Can you be completely responsible for their well being? By no means let your pets breed just to let you children witness the "miracle of life." I'm sure you can find books and tapes at your local libraries to help inform your children of reproduction. If you have a dog or cat at home, get the children involved and show them how to properly care for their pet. Children are our future, what we teach them now could be what saves animals lives in the future.