Visit the Petco Site to locate a participating store near you!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Hamster Ball Derby!
Petco is holding it's Hamster Ball Derby again so start your training with your hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats~~~Prizes will be awarded!!
Visit the Petco Site to locate a participating store near you!
Visit the Petco Site to locate a participating store near you!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
A Sweet Story...
To my dog loving friends....
They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone?waves when you pass them on the street.
But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.
But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.
For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.
I tried the normal commands the shelter told me?he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.
This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on?me."
Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down with his back to me. Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.
But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that,
too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice."..........
_______________________________________
To Whoever Gets My Dog:
Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this letter. I told the shelter this could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong.
And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.
So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.
First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.
Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.
Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.
He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due.. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.
Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially. Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.
And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....
His name is not Reggie.
I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt, but I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the
shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well...well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.
His real name is Tank.
Because that is what I drive.
Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the shelter...in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.
Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family, but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.
And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.
All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.
Thank you,
Paul Mallory
_____________________________________
I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me.
Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies.
Flags had been at half-mast all summer.
I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.
"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.
The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes brightened.
"C'mere boy."
He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor.
He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months..
"Tank," I whispered.
His tail swished.
I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.
"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me."
Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. "Yeah Ball? You like that Ball?"
Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room..
And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.
They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone?waves when you pass them on the street.
But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.
But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.
For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.
I tried the normal commands the shelter told me?he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.
This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on?me."
Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down with his back to me. Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.
But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that,
too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice."..........
_______________________________________
To Whoever Gets My Dog:
Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this letter. I told the shelter this could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong.
And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.
So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.
First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.
Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.
Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.
He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due.. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.
Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially. Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.
And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....
His name is not Reggie.
I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt, but I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the
shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well...well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.
His real name is Tank.
Because that is what I drive.
Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the shelter...in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.
Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family, but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.
And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.
All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.
Thank you,
Paul Mallory
_____________________________________
I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me.
Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies.
Flags had been at half-mast all summer.
I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.
"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.
The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes brightened.
"C'mere boy."
He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor.
He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months..
"Tank," I whispered.
His tail swished.
I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.
"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me."
Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. "Yeah Ball? You like that Ball?"
Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room..
And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Pet's Ten Commandments
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years.
Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment,
but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please.
Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets.
Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller,
less joyful experience without God's critters.
Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment,
but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please.
Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets.
Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller,
less joyful experience without God's critters.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
St. George Island
Want to plan a pet-friendly trip to the beach? Check out www.sgivacations.com.
Mention Pampered Pet Care of Atlanta, LLC and get a discount!
Mention Pampered Pet Care of Atlanta, LLC and get a discount!
Monday, August 17, 2009
EVENT: "It's Me Or The Dog" Casting Calls & Bark In The Park
Mark your calendars for "It's Me Or The Dog" Open Casting Call at Turner Field Bark at the Park!
September 6, 2009
1:30pm to 4:30pm
Admission:
Are you the owner of one (or more) out-of-control dogs? Is your pooch an obedience school drop-out? Open Call Sunday Sept. 6 2009 @ 1:30pm MEET VICTORIA STILWELL! Bark in the Park Event at Turner Field in Atlanta Bring your best friend to the Braves game when the Braves play the Cincinnati Reds. Deadline to register is September 3. https://secure.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/bark_at_park.jsp The casting team is currently seeking dog-owners with a variety of backgrounds, which are ready for the ultimate doggy boot camp! Email MeOrTheDogATL@gmail.com for more info www.itsmeorthedog.com
For more information, please call 323-286-6375 or email MeOrTheDogATL@gmail.com.
September 6, 2009
1:30pm to 4:30pm
Admission:
Are you the owner of one (or more) out-of-control dogs? Is your pooch an obedience school drop-out? Open Call Sunday Sept. 6 2009 @ 1:30pm MEET VICTORIA STILWELL! Bark in the Park Event at Turner Field in Atlanta Bring your best friend to the Braves game when the Braves play the Cincinnati Reds. Deadline to register is September 3. https://secure.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/bark_at_park.jsp The casting team is currently seeking dog-owners with a variety of backgrounds, which are ready for the ultimate doggy boot camp! Email MeOrTheDogATL@gmail.com for more info www.itsmeorthedog.com
For more information, please call 323-286-6375 or email MeOrTheDogATL@gmail.com.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Vaccinations and Our Pets
It has been ONE year….and those of you who were around me last year knew how scared I was after I almost lost my sweet Princess Sophie. I wanted to share my experience with as many people as possible because I know it could save a pet’s life…
VACCINATIONS…
We all get them for our pets and don’t usually think twice. However, I hope through my story, I will encourage pet owners to step back and educate themselves before taking their furkids in for annual vaccinations. Last August 6th, 2008, my Sophie was paralyzed by a rabies vaccination that she had received just the day before. I was already hesitant about vaccinating her after my mom’s healthy 6 year old cat Max died suddenly after receiving his vaccinations, but after receiving my second reminder in the mail, I went against my gut and got her the Rabies vaccination (just Rabies, no kennel cough or other combo shots).
Within about 20 hours, Sophie went from being a healthy & spunky senior girl to not being able to walk…right in front of my eyes. I rushed her to her regular vet who had seen her just the day before, who in turn sent us straight to Georgia Veterinary Specialists. She spent the next seven days at GVS being tested for everything under the sun…never receiving an official cause of her paralysis. She has MRIs, spinal fluids taken, and tests on top of tests. All we knew what that her spinal cord “just became swollen” with no cause.
I spent all of my hours driving back and forth to visit her during the clinic’s visitation hours. I called every morning as soon as I woke up to speak with her doctor, visited her in the afternoon between 3-5 PM, then again from 7-9 PM, then waited until the night shift workers came in around midnight to call and check on her once more. It was the worst week of my life, to say the least.
Through my own research while Sophie was hospitalized, I found COUNTLESS cases from other pet owners with similar stories. I read and read, searched and searched, for more information about Sophie’s diagnosis. I began to find more and more information on how we are over-vaccinating out pets. We, as humans, only get childhood vaccinations early in life. Other vaccinations such as tetanus are suggested every TEN years. So why are our pets getting vaccinated EVERY SINGLE YEAR? It just doesn’t make sense.
Interesting Facts about Vaccinations in Pets:
~The CDC has NO recorded cases of a dog contracting rabies after receiving a 3 year rabies vaccination. Could this prove that this vaccination provides a lifetime of immunity?
~Did you know there is NO difference in the 1 Year and 3 Year rabies vaccination? They are the same dosage. If you feel the need to vaccinate, at least opt for the 3 year rabies so your pet is not subjected to vaccinations again in just 1 year.
~Through a series of studies, it was found in several dogs that ONE YEAR AFTER receiving the rabies vaccination, these dogs still had 2700 TIMES the necessary amount of protection needed, yet our vets are still telling us it is time to vaccinate?
~Documented adverse reactions to the rabies vaccination are:
Vomiting-28.1%
Facial Swelling-26.3%
Injection Site Swelling or Lump-19.4%
Lethargy-12%
Urticaria-10.1%
Circulatory shock-8.3%
Injection site pain-7.4%
Pruritus-7.4%
Injection site alopecia or hair loss-6.9%
Death-5.5%
Lack of Consciousness-5.5
Diarrhea-4.6%
Hypersensitivity (not specified)-4.6%
Fever-4.1%
Anaphylaxis-2.8%
Ataxia-2.8%
Lameness-2.8%
General signs of pain-2.3%
Hyperactivity-2.3%
Injection site scab or crust-2.3%
Muscle tremor-2.3%
Tachycardia-2.3%
Thrombocytopenia-2.3%.
(Frana, T. et als, Postmarketing Surveillance of Rabies Vaccines for Dogs to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association April 1, 2008 issue, Vol. 232, No. 7, p. 1001)
~Please visit and consider donating to the Rabies Challenge Fund. It is an effort to change the protocol of the rabies vaccination to every 7 years. Rabies Challenge Fund
I am glad to say that Sophie is here today and going strong. I know there are many other pets out there that were not so lucky. Just because you may not be vaccinating your pet doesn’t mean you can skip out on those annual check-ups. A physical exam from your vet and annual blood work is a good way to keep track of your pet’s health. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and I will be glad to share more of our story.
Please share this story with other pet parents.
VACCINATIONS…
We all get them for our pets and don’t usually think twice. However, I hope through my story, I will encourage pet owners to step back and educate themselves before taking their furkids in for annual vaccinations. Last August 6th, 2008, my Sophie was paralyzed by a rabies vaccination that she had received just the day before. I was already hesitant about vaccinating her after my mom’s healthy 6 year old cat Max died suddenly after receiving his vaccinations, but after receiving my second reminder in the mail, I went against my gut and got her the Rabies vaccination (just Rabies, no kennel cough or other combo shots).
Within about 20 hours, Sophie went from being a healthy & spunky senior girl to not being able to walk…right in front of my eyes. I rushed her to her regular vet who had seen her just the day before, who in turn sent us straight to Georgia Veterinary Specialists. She spent the next seven days at GVS being tested for everything under the sun…never receiving an official cause of her paralysis. She has MRIs, spinal fluids taken, and tests on top of tests. All we knew what that her spinal cord “just became swollen” with no cause.
I spent all of my hours driving back and forth to visit her during the clinic’s visitation hours. I called every morning as soon as I woke up to speak with her doctor, visited her in the afternoon between 3-5 PM, then again from 7-9 PM, then waited until the night shift workers came in around midnight to call and check on her once more. It was the worst week of my life, to say the least.
Through my own research while Sophie was hospitalized, I found COUNTLESS cases from other pet owners with similar stories. I read and read, searched and searched, for more information about Sophie’s diagnosis. I began to find more and more information on how we are over-vaccinating out pets. We, as humans, only get childhood vaccinations early in life. Other vaccinations such as tetanus are suggested every TEN years. So why are our pets getting vaccinated EVERY SINGLE YEAR? It just doesn’t make sense.
Interesting Facts about Vaccinations in Pets:
~The CDC has NO recorded cases of a dog contracting rabies after receiving a 3 year rabies vaccination. Could this prove that this vaccination provides a lifetime of immunity?
~Did you know there is NO difference in the 1 Year and 3 Year rabies vaccination? They are the same dosage. If you feel the need to vaccinate, at least opt for the 3 year rabies so your pet is not subjected to vaccinations again in just 1 year.
~Through a series of studies, it was found in several dogs that ONE YEAR AFTER receiving the rabies vaccination, these dogs still had 2700 TIMES the necessary amount of protection needed, yet our vets are still telling us it is time to vaccinate?
~Documented adverse reactions to the rabies vaccination are:
Vomiting-28.1%
Facial Swelling-26.3%
Injection Site Swelling or Lump-19.4%
Lethargy-12%
Urticaria-10.1%
Circulatory shock-8.3%
Injection site pain-7.4%
Pruritus-7.4%
Injection site alopecia or hair loss-6.9%
Death-5.5%
Lack of Consciousness-5.5
Diarrhea-4.6%
Hypersensitivity (not specified)-4.6%
Fever-4.1%
Anaphylaxis-2.8%
Ataxia-2.8%
Lameness-2.8%
General signs of pain-2.3%
Hyperactivity-2.3%
Injection site scab or crust-2.3%
Muscle tremor-2.3%
Tachycardia-2.3%
Thrombocytopenia-2.3%.
(Frana, T. et als, Postmarketing Surveillance of Rabies Vaccines for Dogs to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association April 1, 2008 issue, Vol. 232, No. 7, p. 1001)
~Please visit and consider donating to the Rabies Challenge Fund. It is an effort to change the protocol of the rabies vaccination to every 7 years. Rabies Challenge Fund
I am glad to say that Sophie is here today and going strong. I know there are many other pets out there that were not so lucky. Just because you may not be vaccinating your pet doesn’t mean you can skip out on those annual check-ups. A physical exam from your vet and annual blood work is a good way to keep track of your pet’s health. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and I will be glad to share more of our story.
Please share this story with other pet parents.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Pets as Dependants: A Proposed Deduction
Over the last few weeks, there has quietly been some news brewing in the media about a proposal to claim pets a dependents on tax returns. On July 31st, U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter has introduced act H.R. 3501, also known as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act. If passed, this bill would allow pet owners to deduct up to $3500 from their taxable income for pet care expenses. For more information about this bill, click HERE. We will keep you updated!
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