Second Chance: Don’t Let Rabies Go Rampant

19 Jun Second Chance: Don’t Let Rabies Go Rampant

When I first arrived here at the Second Chance Resource Center I was fed, nurtured and vaccinated.  Although this is the typical protocol at most shelters, I find that out here in the fresh mountain air people seem more laid back than in other places I have traveled in my short life, so vaccines are sometimes overlooked.  My Pet Column today is all about encouraging you to vaccinate and keep your pets protected and I will tell you why.

Judge

Rural living may mean fewer pets to interact with than in more densely populated areas, but it doesn’t mean less wildlife. And wildlife is exactly what carries rabies: skunks, bats, raccoons and foxes, all of which I have sniffed frequently in this region. And let me tell you, rabies isn’t anything you want to mess around with.

A rabies vaccine for a pet is not like a flu vaccine for you. It’s not like you can just take your chances and if you get the flu, you’ll muddle through. Rabies is an absolute death sentence for your pet –and not a pretty or painless one. Remember “Old Yeller”?.

And if that weren’t bad enough, rabies is zoonotic, which means people can get it as well. In fact, recently a kitten was reported to have rabies, but before it could be determined what was wrong with the poor thing, it had infected eight people, including the veterinarian!  Treatment, required if you want to live, for people consists of six very expensive injections over a 28-day period.

Or you could just vaccinate your pets: puppies and kittens at 16 weeks, then again at 1 year, then every 3 years after that. Ba-Bing – no rabies! And although other diseases which vaccines are available for may not all be life threatening – it is a good idea to take precautions to keep your pets healthy.

My name is Judge (take a look at my face and you’ll see why).  I am a wonderful King Charles Springer Cavalier (you don’t find that breed often), 18 months young, who is as sweet and charming as any dog can be. My royal and luscious coat radiates my soft and gentle inner self who loves everyone I meet.  Judging from my demeanor and special look , it’ll be love at first sight when we finally meet.

Sarabi

Sarabi, a very young mother cat is ready for her new home now that the babies she brought with her to the shelter are adopted. She is just about a year and half young and now spayed so she won’t have to do motherhood ever again – and she is just a darling cat.  Sarabi is ready to be pampered just as she pampered her babies.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff & friend

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)