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The Scoop on Scoopy

Rabies Challenge Trials!!!

I've been keeping my eyes on the latest news regarding vaccination frequency for animals, especially in light of what happened to Asia's brother, Teddy. Well, enough money has been raised through grassroots efforts to begin a Rabies Challenge Study. There will be two studies, one for 5 years, one for 7 years and both will be focused on proving once and for all that rabies vaccinations have long-term duration of immunity. This means that the government will then be able to lengthen mandated revaccination intervals.

In a lot of states the Rabies vaccine is required every year for both dogs and cats. In some states, like New York, boosters are required every three years. But under studies done by Ronald Shultz at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, serological studies have shown rabies titer counts have levels known to give immunity seven years after vaccination. However, his studies are not enough to prove the matter. There has to be an official study, done over several years, before the government will listen.

While the funds have been raised to start the trials, money will be needed to carry the study through to its seven year completion. If you want to help, go to this site:

http://www.rabieschallengefund.org

Please help prevent other dogs and cats from suffering the effects of over-vaccination!!

Asia and I thank you for supporting this very important study.

Twirly...

Hey darlin. I sure miss you. Lenny recently passed away but Little Bit is still going strong and in light of their remarkable stories I can't help but think that I didn't do enough to save you. In fact, I know I didn't. Sure, you couldn't use your back legs, but a wheelchair could have resolved that issue. Then we could have worked on the kidney stuff. I was wrong to let you go. I am sorry, Scoopy. We never know how our actions will resound through the years and I hope that somewhere, somewhen, I am able to make it all up to you. In this life or the next or the one after that.

There are so many I need to make reparations to. For not fighting harder, for letting go. Forgive me.

Love,
mum

Goodbye, Missy Belle.

On September 19, Asia was taken to the emergency clinic. She had lost the use of her back legs and blood was found in her stool. The blood tests confirmed advanced kidney failure and the intern suspected that she had suffered a ruptured disc. We made the extremely difficult decision to euthanise. May God and Asia forgive us. She was 16 years and 5 months old. Rest in peace, sweet Scoopy.