Many years ago, I made the decision not to have my first border collie spayed. She was a rescue and quickly became my cherished companion. Unlike the typical border collie known for their energetic and playful nature, she displayed an unusual level of affection.

The reason behind my choice was not driven by a desire to breed her, although having a puppy with her wonderful personality would have been a joy. Rather, it stemmed from the fact that she didn’t seem to go into heat, leading me to believe that subjecting her to unnecessary surgery, even the safe and common spaying procedure, was not warranted.

She brought immense happiness into my life. Fast forward to when she reached 12 years old. One night, she didn’t exhibit her usual fear of thunder, which caught my attention. The following day, she appeared lethargic. Worried, I promptly took her to the veterinarian. After a physical examination and blood tests, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer that had spread. The vet informed me that intact female dogs are at a higher risk of developing cancers related to their reproductive system. I wish I had been informed about this earlier, as I had believed I was protecting her from unnecessary risks.

I am now fortunate to share my life with my fourth border collie, and I have cherished each and every one of them. However, my first border collie will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart.