We all can take responsibility for preventing unplanned pet litters and reducing overpopulation. Everyone can help educate co-workers, neighbors, dog park friends and others by simply dispelling some myths and misconceptions and informing them about some advantages of spaying or neutering their pets.

Several myths:

Myth: I don't want my male pet to feel like less of a male.

Pets don't share the human concept of sexual identity or ego, so they will not feel less "macho" if neutered. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. However, it can help decrease the urge to roam, thereby reducing the risk of injuries, fights, accidents and contracting contagious diseases.

Myth: It's better to have one litter first.

Medical evidence indicates that females spayed before their first heat typically are healthier. They are less likely to develop breast cancer and a potentially fatal infection of the uterus (pyometra) is eliminated. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as 8 weeks old.

Myth: I want my dog to be a good guard dog.

Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

Myth: My dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.

Just as a father and son can be different, puppies and their mother can be different. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee a parent's personality will be reproduced in its litters.

Myth: It's too expensive to have a pet spayed or neutered.

The cost of spaying or neutering depends on a pet's sex, size and age, veterinarian's fees and a number of other variables. But whatever the price, spaying or neutering is a one-time fee as low as $20 for eligible families using the NeuterNow program. The surgery cost is less than having to care for a mother and her litter.

Myth: I'll find good homes for all puppies and kittens.

You might, but each home you find means one less home for animals in shelters that also need good homes. Also, your pet's offspring could create their own litter, thus adding to the pet overpopulation problem one litter at a time.

The health benefits of spaying or neutering pets far outweigh risks. In addition, it helps decrease the number of unwanted pets.

Call the Humane Society at 356-2237 for brochures that connect pet owners with veterinarians that provide low-cost sterilization for animals. Or visit www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs/neuternow.

Cost is $40 ($20 for families with EBT cards).

SPITZ

Tag No. 335841 Spitz, or "Orange Boy," as he's called, is actually orange and white, with eyes the color of golden brown sugar. He is so soft and sweet, you are sure to fall in love with this "purr-ty" boy.

LANI

Tag No. 07-1419 Lani is very active and rambunctious. For this reason, she is part of the Society's Behavior Program, where she is learning basic manners and commands. Lani has a sleek brindle and white coat — perfect for our Island climate.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawai ianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.

A PUSH FOR MORE DOG PARKS

Responding to requests for more off-leash parks, the 2001 Honolulu City Council authorized the parks director to establish more places for dogs to romp free. After all, a tired dog is often a quiet and happy dog.

Public-private partnerships have enabled two new communities to begin park developments: Hui 'Ilio in Hawai'i Kai and Ala Wai K-9 Playground. Public support is still needed. To help, visit www.hui-ilio.com or call Susan Bolman of Ala Wai K-9 Playground Association at 265-1658.

Additional city-run dog parks will be planned with each community's neighborhood board approval. To request an off-leash dog park in your neighborhood, call the Neighborhood Commission office at 527-5749.

Off-leash O'ahu dog parks: