Dogs in Heat: Why?

So, some friends of ours asked if we would watch their dog for the weekend. Okay, I didn't have much say in the matter, as H. accepted before asking me. I mean, it's not that big of a deal; Sandie is old, and just lies there. I take her out to go to the bathroom every four hours, and everyone is happy. Simple.

Except for the fact she's in heat. Here's where I get a bit graphic. Put down your cheeseburger. See, the thing is, I've never seen a dog in heat before (I know, so unworldly of me). I mean, we always got our dogs fixed before they had a chance to get all bloody. And I got Max clipped as soon as possible (what a nightmare it was when he started spraying in the house. Yuck). Anyway. There is blood on my floor, and I'm struggling to keep up with cleaning. It doesn't help that my own finger-blood grosses me out. This is full-on doggy-vagina blood. Yes, I know it's natural. But it's gross wiping up after it all the time. It's even more gross when she licks it up. I hope you weren't eating. Because if you were, you're probably in the bathroom throwing up now, yes? I'm tempted to buy a doggy-diaper of sorts. Wouldn't that be more practical?

Before babysitting dog in heat, I was always pro-spaying/neutering. Now, I'm DEFINITELY pro-spaying/neutering. Seriously, people, listen to Bob Barker's famous words, and get your pet spayed or neutered. Especially if you're not breeding the critters.. Unlike Bob, I'm not saying this because I want YOU to help control the pet population. I'm saying it because in-house spraying (for males) and blood drippings (for females) are gross. Seriously. Dogs should be cute and cuddly. Not oozing with all their animal sexuality.

(Image from: http://privatecanine.com/images/cgp-diaper.jpg)