Started by animal lover and supporter, Doris Day - yes, she of the big screen back in the day, the last Tuesday of February is known as National Spay Day.

The Humane Society of the United States is committed to this outstanding event that happens across the U.S. and its territories. Here's their solid justification:

"Four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets, even purebreds. Maybe someone's cat or dog got out just that one time or maybe the litter was intentional, but efforts to find enough good homes failed. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats and a proven way to reduce the vast numbers of animals who are born only to die prematurely and without a family who loves them. Learn more about why you should spay or neuter your pet."

Last year's event reported "32,509" animals spayed and neutered. There is also a Spay Day USA pet photo contest. And, according to Pharmacy Choice news, the Gourley Clinical Teaching Center not only planed on spaying pets for folks in low-come families, they will be adding microchip IDs to each pet.

As good pet parents, it's up to us to make sure our pets have the best care possible. That means good food, good exercise, and good health at the hands of a good vet. Spaying and neutering just makes good sense. When you stop to think of all the sad animals waiting to be adopted - dogs and cats, alike, taking part in National Spay Day is a small way to keep your pet safe and well, and also contributes to keeping our shelters less crowded.

Do your part. Look for vets in your area that are participating in this much-needed surgery. Your dog and cat do not need to have puppies or kittens to be happy. They just need you to take good care of them.