Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Yes, Marilyn, shelters do a great disservice to the youngsters with early spay/neuter, well before maturity.
Interestingly, as I point out in my page "Neuter or Not?," European and Scandinavian countries aren't nearly so neuter crazy as we, and don't have overpopulation issues like we in the U.S.
Likely something to learn from them, if anyone cares to study it.