Thank you all very much for the info. You've helped me make the decision to have my little girl spayed. I'll make an appointment for her as soon as she's no longer in heat.

Please forgive me, but I have just one more question about it:

When I spoke with the vet a few months ago about getting it done, she said my baby would have to spend the night. I said, 'Oh. Will someone be there with her all night?' She said, 'No, but I'll come in and check on her.'

We've never been away from each other for more than 3 hours. I wouldn't mind her spending the night at the vets if someone was going to be there with her all night. In fact, I would prefer it---just in case something happened. But, if she's going to be left alone ALL NIGHT, she should come home so that I can keep a close watch on her.

Is it common practice to keep dogs overnight that have just had surgery , without anyone to monitor them? Or do some vets let them come home the same day?