"We learned today that one of our volunteers and foster mommy left us yesterday. Kim was one special lady whom I wish I had met in person. We talked numerous times on the phone as well as through emails. Kim was an inspiration to me while going through some difficult times myself. She talked about her family, animals and her love for God, who we thought would let her stay with us a little longer. Guess He needed another angel by His side. My prayers and the prayers of all the volunteers with WolfSpirit's Rescue are with the family." –Robin K. Aufderheide, WolfSpirit's Toy Breed Puppymill Rescue

"I received the staggering, shocking news that a dear, precious friend from long ago moved on to her new Home. Kim was one of my background vocalists for awhile during the 70s. But more importantly, she was my dear sister in Jesus. She was a very special lady who was heavily involved in dog rescue, home schooled her children, all of whom have grown up to be successful, dynamic, spiritually-minded people, she had a wonderful background in theater, was a great singer, and a more beautiful person inside you'll never meet. Her husband Bob (another dear friend whom I was privileged to introduce to Kim way back in 1977), all of their children and the rest of their family are in my heart, and I hope that you'll all join me in offering prayers and positive thoughts for them all during this terribly hard time." –Stephen Alexandersen Sharp

"As I sit here on this beautiful afternoon with the sun shining and a nice breeze blowing through our wind chimes, I see our Jaxon and Maddie doing zoomies in our large fenced yard. Kim had mentioned to me how she wished she had a large fenced yard for all her fur babies to run and play. She now has that and is enjoying watching all her babies with whom she is reunited running and playing. I know she is smiling her gorgeous smile and her laughter is filling Heaven. Such beautiful music! I will love hearing it one day." –Rebecca Stivers

"Heaven has gained an Angel... one of our foster homes, Kim has passed away." –Amber Kay, Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary

"Kim, I am so sorry to hear of your passing. Fur Angels was truly blessed to have you in our rescue. You were my friend. You inspired me to keep moving when times got tough. I am so blessed to have you on my team. Rest in peace sweet angel. We shall meet again." –Julie Johnson, Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary

"I am at such a loss for words... I only knew you through Starfish Animal Rescue, I worked with you a few times, and in that small time from it was immediately obvious what an amazing person you are! You had one of the biggest hearts, and positive outlooks I had ever come across!! You were selfless in everyway. Your family and friends were so lucky and blessed to have had you in their lives and I know that you will be watching over them from above taking care of all of them any way you can. You were the foster mom for my last dog, we named her Minnie.... we love her! Thank you so much for everything you have done, and I know will continue to do from up above. Thoughts prayers and love go out to your family. you will be deeply, deeply missed...." –Amber Spitzer-Peacock, Starfish Animal Rescue

"I am so sad to hear that Kim has passed. She was such a wonderful person and such a phenomenal animal advocate. I will forever be thankful for the love and care she gave Rex when he was so very sick. I'm sure Kim that you are working at the Rainbow Bridge. God bless you." –Donna Bartolac Eliades

"Kim was an amazing woman. I had the pleasure of meeting her through transporting and rescuing pups. This world lost an amazing woman. My prayers go out to your family, may peace find your hearts in this terrible time." –Mandy Myers

"So sorry to hear of Kim's passing. I'm grateful to have been included in the fundraising & celebration of her life. Thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of her life." –Shannon Cole, Shannon's Pet Sitting

"In the midst of sorrow, such gratitude. So many of my college students where I teach have never known a mother's committed faithful love of them, much less Christ. Marriages that remain committed in faith, friendship, and passion – unheard of. Friendships unwavering through the years – non-existent. Extended family with a sense of respect, friendship, and humor. What is that? I hope you all know how rich and blessed you are – we are.... In a world where everything spins toward death, how beautiful is the person who mirrors eternal life. That would be Kim." –Edie Hill

"All of us at Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue are devastated to hear the news of Kim's passing. She had a heart of gold and was a fantastic foster mom. She will be missed by all who knew her. Hugs to all of you." –Stacy Snell Smith, Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue

"She was an angel to the many dogs she saved and loved. I can only imagine what a wonderful mother she was." –Ellen Westkaemper, Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue

"Kim's enthusiasm about rescue and life overall was palpable. We spoke on the phone several times and it was clear to see what a vibrant,caring and loving woman she was." –Sue Bickford, Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue

"As I look at your picture and see you smiling, I can't help but think, you is seeing now what we can only imagine. Set free, healed and worshiping at His feet, lying down your very LARGE crown at His feet as well! God comfort the family as only HE can as you begin the most difficult task of saying goodbye, for now. He will bring people along to lift your hearts. He will carry you, no matter how heavy your load. This night, my heart is broken. RIP Kim, enter into the joy of your Lord. Every life matters." –Linda Babikian

"My heart breaks to hear that Kim has passed away. She was one of the kindest and most genuine people I ever had the honor of knowing and she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her wonderful family." –Julie Plagge

"I am deeply saddened to hear about the news of Kim today. I was fortunate enough to have met Kim almost 2 yrs ago when I was looking into adopting a dog she was fostering. From the moment I met her I knew she was special. She had rescued a very scared & malnourished puppy & she loved him back to good health before I adopted him in 2013. I chose to name him Mateo, which means God's gift, because he truly was a gift!!! Kim & I always stayed in touch and I knew how special Mateo was to Kim. I will always, always be grateful to her for what she did for my little Mateo. She was his first "mom" and I never would've experienced all the love & joy he brings me each day if it wasn't for Kim. May God be with all of you during this difficult time & know that Kim touched so many lives and that she was deeply loved & will be greatly missed by many." –Chrissy Schramm Berger

"So so sorry to hear this news, Kim has always been a Ray of sonshine to me...and I'm sure Many, even many cannines....When Jesus was at Lazarus tomb and saw the grief, He was grieved to tears and angry with death.... that is why He did what He did and conquered the grave so we can be together forever...Thank You Jesus!!! And till you all see your precious Kim again, I pray His supernatural comfort." –Sandy Moberg Marschall

"You know those old friends that you have known for so many years that you had babies together...prayed together, talked way into the night over your dreams and hopes?... Yeah. Kim was one of those." –Cathi Basler

"Lost an amazing friend today. Our hearts are completely broken... She is and always will be the heart of our family. Always so full of love and touched everyone around her – Kim was loved and will forever be a part of our lives...." –Nancy Thaxton, USSPN State Apostolic Coordinator for West Virginia

"Thank you to all those who stood in faith and prayed with us for Kim, our daughter-in-law Joy's mother. She fought a hard and courageous battle with cancer, but she is standing totally well and whole in the presence of her Savior, Jesus. Now please focus your prayers on her husband of 35 years, Bob, and her five children and their spouses. Our hearts are broken because we all expected a different outcome, but we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We will see her again. We pray the peace of God and the comfort of His Spirit to rest on all the family." –Bonnie Hammer

"Oh Lord Jesus, You have such a precious woman there in your embrace now. May your Love dry all her tears. We will miss her terribly. We look to You. May You restore us somehow... Oh God we pray for Hope for Bob and their children." –Steve Murray

"Heaven is going to be an amazing place because the dazzling array of people like Kim Sperlazzo will be reflecting the light of Christ. My love and prayers go out to you, Bob. Love you, Paul Clark"

Robin & Oscar as a Puppy

Animals have an amazing way of touching our soul. Anyone who has had an animal friend can understand the warmth, joy, humor and unconditional love these special family members bring with them.

Currently, we have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 hamsters, 1 hermit crab and aquarium, and a bearded dragon. Each one has a place in our family. Libby, our sweet white poodle, has become my grandmother's favorite buddy. Buckley, our black domestic shorthair cat, tries not to openly play favorites, but he tends to be drawn to more my 10-year-old son, Alex, and my boyfriend (now husband), Mike.

Estie, our black domestic longhair cat, is very shy, but enjoys our company when the house is settled for the day. Fireball and Barley, our 2 hamsters, along with Bob, our hermit crab, are mostly cared for by my 12-year-old daughter, Christina, who much like my grandmother, is also a close companion of Libby's. And Thorns, our bearded dragon, is my buddy.

Then there is Oscar. Oscar has a story worth telling. Seventeen years ago, on Christmas Eve, I opened a large package that had a crate, collar, leash, food bowls and other puppy care items inside. I had wanted a puppy for some time, researched breeds and was set on raising a shih tzu. My wish came true and 3 days after Christmas, I brought Oscar home. Oscar was 3 months old. He was a little ball of fur, in shades of gold, brown, black and white. At the breeder's house, I had the choice of Oscar or his brother.

I sat quietly watching them, to see what their personalities were like and waited for one to seek me out. Oscar's brother was very sweet and cuddly, but didn't really want to interact with me. Oscar, on the other hand, had a spark to his personality. He was playful, confident, and the second we made eye contact, he ran to me and I knew he was the one. He became my best friend and I brought him with me everywhere that welcomed him. Five years later my daughter was born. Oscar loved her and we had many adventures together. But two years later when I was again expecting, Oscar wasn't very happy.

I believe he sensed it was a boy. He started marking around the house and showing other signs of simply not being happy. The day before my son was born I made the decision to give Oscar to my mom. Oscar loved my mom and was familiar with her home, and I had hoped this change would make him happy while allowing us to still visit and be in his life. The arrangement didn't last very long, and I learned that my mom had placed Oscar in another home. Words cannot express the emotions that resulted from this action. Waves of shock, anger, and overwhelming sadness washed over me. I felt broken.

As time passed, it hurt less, but there was always a feeling of something missing for me. About a year and a half ago, I started to see Oscar in various places throughout my home. This would happen as I would pass a room, or while I was focusing on different tasks. I would sense his presence and see him in my peripheral vision. I would think to myself that perhaps he had passed on and it was his spirit coming to visit me. This went on for some time. Then, in August of 2010, I received an email that changed my life.

My ex-husband was searching for a dog to adopt and had been referred to Fur Keeps Animal Rescue. As he was online viewing the dogs available for adoption, he came across a senior Shih Tzu named Oscar, and forwarded the profile to me. A few phone calls later, it was confirmed: it indeed was my Oscar. I'm not sure exactly how he ended up with Fur Keeps, but it was time for Oscar to come home.

Oscar wasn't as agile as he once was, and his hearing and vision were compromised. When we first brought him home, we had to make some adjustments to our house. Our floors were too slippery for him, so we covered them with rubber backed throw rugs, made a custom food stand so he wouldn't have to put added pressure on his arthritic joints, and we adjusted our sleep cycles to include his two nightly wake up calls to go outside and eat. But mostly, we gave him our love.

This last year has brought about a major healing and shown me the true meaning of forgiveness, unconditional love and miracles. Oscar coming home has inspired all of us to do better in everything we set out to do. Watching him live in the present moment, his strength, and his spark shining through has been amazing. However, Oscar's body is declining, and everyday tasks are becoming more and more difficult for him. His spark, though still present, is quickly fading.

Now, here comes the hard part – saying goodbye – again. It's time to release him from the physical world to a place where he is free to run and play without the restrictions his aging body has placed on him.

Thank you, Oscar, for your love, your example, and for coming home. We love you, Oskie boy.

It's Time to Put PETA Down

• PETA Kills Animals
   
• Official Department of Agriculture Report (PDF)

• PETITION: Sign our petition and tell the IRS to cancel PETA's status as a tax-exempt animal shelter.
   
• SIGN the Declaration of the No-Kill Movement

Did you know that the primary cause of death in dogs over two years of age is cancer? In fact, half of all adult dogs will die from cancer. That's a staggering number. But you can beat the odds for your dog by following these five simple steps.

The Best Cure for Canine Cancer is Prevention

Cancer begins when carcinogens damage DNA, which then waits for just the right opportunity to create cancerous cells. The good news is your dog's body has a built-in mechanism to kill cancer cells; a gene called p53. However exposure to toxins and viruses can damage that gene and limit its ability to protect the body from the spread of cancerous cells.

We all know that treatment options for cancer aren't all that effective. The best cure for cancer is to just not get it in the first place. Happily, there are easy, actionable steps you can take to prevent cancer in your furry family members. Here is a list that every pet owner should be aware of.

1. Reduce the Use of Flea and Tick Products

Dr. Dobozy of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) pesticide division states that one of the laboratory effects of fipronil in the popular flea and tick product Frontline, is thyroid cancer and altered thyroid hormones.

Minimize Chemical Product Usage

While the company creates the impression that their product does not migrate into the body, radiolabeled fibronil was found in several organs and in the fat of tested dogs and was also excreted in their urine and feces.

Bio Spot Flea and Tick Control, Defend Exspot Treatment and Zodiac FleaTrol Spot On all contain one or both of the active ingredients Permethrin and/or Pyriproxyfen. Permethrin has been implicated as a carcinogenic insecticide causing lung cancer and liver tumors in laboratory animals. Exposure to a carcinogen typically occurs many years before the cancer appears. Often times it never escalates into a cancerous growth. Imagine how potent the carcinogens are that create cancer within several months in a laboratory setting.

Don't think that the numerous products not mentioned here are safe. According to the Center for Public Integrity, who collected information through the Freedom of Information Act, the "natural" pyrethrins (naturally occurring compounds from the chrysanthemum plant) and pyrethroids (the synthetic counterpart) caused double the fatalities (1,600) from 2002 to 2007 than the non-pyrethroid compounds.

There are natural products that are effective for fleas and ticks. Do your pet a favor and look for safer alternatives. Here is a simple recipe you can make and use at home.

2. Maintain Your Lawn and Garden with Non-toxic Products

Lawn chemicals, weed killers and herbicides are just as toxic as flea and tick products. Dogs and cats are low to the ground and are much more susceptible to these toxins.

Studies show a link between lawn chemicals and cancer in dogs (Abstract of Environmental Health 112[1]: 171-6, Jan. 2012). In this study, researchers identified 263 dogs with biopsy-confirmed canine malignant lymphoma (CML), 240 dogs with benign tumors, and 230 dogs undergoing surgeries unrelated to cancer. Then, they asked the pet owners to complete a 10-page questionnaire.

Avoid Toxic Lawn Chemicals

Scientists found that dogs with malignant lymphoma were 70% more likely to live in a home where professionally applied lawn pesticides had been used. Dogs with serious malignancy were also 170% more likely to come from homes where owners used chemical insecticides.

For nontoxic lawn nourishment, broadcast one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch of high-quality compost over your lawn using a shovel. Compost nourishes beneficial soil microbes and doesn't contain harsh salts the way many chemical fertilizers do, and you could see some improvement in just a few days.

Instead of reaching for Roundup or other harmful synthetic products to kill weeds creeping up through sidewalk or driveway cracks, try using BurnOut, an organic weed killer made of food grade vinegar and clove oil. Just be sure to spray it directly on weeds on a warm, sunny day for the best effect.You can also use BurnOut to quickly and organically kill weeds in the yard; however, it will temporarily leave a brown spot, and you'll need to reseed the area to shade out new weed growth.

3. Know What's in Your Detergents, Soaps and Cleansers

Read Product Labels

Take it upon yourself to research dryer sheets and room deodorizers on the web and you'll discover their cancer causing ingredients. If all the carcinogens our dogs are exposed to on a daily basis, this would be a very long and depressing article.

Even cleaners labeled "safe," "non-toxic" and "green" can contain hazardous ingredients. There should be a law against bogus claims, but there isn't. Some companies are willing to bend the truth – because they can. Even citrus and pine based cleaners can react with trace levels of ozone air pollution to form ultra-fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and formaldehyde, which the U.S. government classifies as a known human carcinogen.

The good news is you can make your own inexpensive green cleaning products. Click here for some great recipes.

4. If You Must Alter Your Dog, Don't Do It Too Young

DON'T Spay/Neuter Too Early

A growing body of research is implicating early spaying and neutering in increasing cancer rates. In a 2002 study, it was established that there was an increased risk of osteosarcoma in both male and female Rottweilers sterilized before the age of one year.

In another study, it was shown that the risk of bone cancer in sterilized large purebred dogs was twice that of dogs that were not neutered.

Spay and neuter, especially when done before 18 months of age, shouldn't be an automatic decision. For more information on spay/neuter decisions, click here.

5. Eliminate or Minimize Vaccinations as Much as Possible

We saved the most important point for last. In cats, the Feline Vaccine Associated Sarcoma is an aggressive malignant tumor that appears at vaccine injection sites. What is the veterinary solution for this? To vaccinate cats in the tail so it can easily be removed when fibrosarcoma strikes.

This doesn't mean dogs don't get cancer from vaccines. The Journal of Veterinary Medicine, August 2003, shows that vaccines cause cancer in dogs at their injection sites too.

Minimize Carcinogenic Aluminum & Mercury via Vaccines

Cancers are found in not only in vaccine injection sites, but in other areas of the body not directly the vicinity of the injection site. Documented cases of lymphoma have resulted in patients developing vaccine injection site fibrosarcomas.

The reason cancer is so strongly linked to vaccines is a commonly found vaccine adjuvant: aluminum [also, Mercury]. In l999, the World Health Organization named aluminum hydroxide as a grade 3 out of 4 carcinogen, with 4 being the most carcinogenic.

Not only do vaccines inject this dangerous carcinogen into pets, they also have the same effect as the above toxins; the damage the cancer protecting p53 genes. Talk about a double whammy!

If you must vaccinate, be aware that it only takes one core vaccine to protect a dog or cat for life. There is no need to revaccinate once a dog has responded to a vaccine. How do you know if your dog has responded to a vaccine? You ask your vet to run a titer test, preferably two to three weeks after vaccination.

You can learn more about vaccine risks and duration of immunity.

So there you have it! Five easy ways to prevent cancer in your pet. What changes can you make today?

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM
Modern medicine and modern medication can do some pretty amazing things – it can instantly deal with parasites, or give immediate comfort to a dog or cat in pain.

There is a "but" here... These conventional medications can have a host of side effects that can seriously harm your dog or cat. There are also the unquantifiable effects of chronic medication use on your pet's immune system or organ function, and how that may make them more likely to develop serious disease such as cancer.

Consider the FDA reports on this common anti-inflammatory drug, Rimadyl.

Cumulative Veterinary ADE Reports
January 1987 to January 2014
Drug: CARPROFEN (RIMADYL)
Species: DOG

This NSAID (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) has numerous reported and under-reported side effects from permanent organ damage to even death. It is in your pet's best interest to avoid this medication, and similar medications, if possible.

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM

It is a mistake every pet owner could easily make. As spring approaches, you head to the local home and garden store for mulch to freshen up your flower beds. Next to the bags of traditional shredded mulch are bags of a newer type – Cocoa Mulch.

According to National Cocoa Shell, the nation's largest retailer of cocoa shell mulch, the material is leftover from the cocoa bean roasting process – making the product more environmentally friendly than regular mulch. Plus, who couldn't resist putting chocolate smelling mulch down in their garden? For chocolate lovers across the country it's a dream come true.

But there's a catch. Cocoa mulch is extremely toxic to pets, especially when curious dogs have access to the outdoors.

Dr. Maureen McMichael is a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana who specializes in emergency and critical care. She says, "Cocoa mulch is significantly more toxic than milk chocolate or even baker's chocolate because it has quite a bit more theobromine in it." Theobromine is the toxic compound in most chocolates that is responsible for the clinical signs seen in pets after ingestion.

Though it, too, can be deadly to pets, milk chocolate has only 44 mg. per ounce of theobromine. Baking chocolate has nearly eight times the concentration of theobromine in it compared to milk chocolate, making it one of the most toxic kinds of chocolate, but still not as concentrated as cocoa mulch.

In addition to having more theobromine in it, cocoa mulch is also usually found in an unlimited supply to the pet. Your Labrador may gobble up that chocolate bar on the counter, but left to their own devices, most dogs will eat cocoa mulch until you catch them or toxic effects start to set in, leading to the ingestion of large amounts of the toxin. "Unfortunately, many of the dogs that present with a history of eating cocoa mulch do not survive if they were not stopped quickly," notes Dr. McMichael.

The clinical signs of chocolate or cocoa mulch toxicity include: hyperactivity, muscle tremors, fast heart rate, hyperthermia, and seizures. There are anecdotal reports from gardeners who unknowingly purchased the mulch and later found their dog dead after a very short exposure time. Incidents such as this are likely a result of heart arrhythmias that develop after ingestion.

After time, the sweet smell of the cocoa mulch will wear off, and some have questioned if, after that point, it is safe for dogs to be around it. Dr. McMichael cautions that "it is possible that dogs are not attracted to it once the smell wears off but that does not eliminate its toxic load – it is still toxic."

The moral of the story is: don't purchase cocoa mulch if you have an outdoor pet. That said, if you happen to make the mistake of buying the mulch and you catch your animal eating a bite, time is of the essence. The quicker you can get Fido to the veterinary emergency clinic, the better the chances are of survival.

For more information on the topic, please contact your local veterinarian.

I talk a lot about vaccine dangers, and I often mention a condition called vaccinosis.

Since vaccinosis isn't recognized by most traditional veterinarians and isn't something many pet owners have ever heard of before, I thought it would be helpful to do a short video to explain the condition.

 

Vaccinosis Defined

First, let's talk about what vaccinosis isn't.

It isn't an acute, often immediate adverse reaction to a vaccine. Adverse events, or hypersensitivities, whether mild (such as lethargy, flu-like symptoms, etc.), or severe (such as anaphylactic shock), that are clearly linked to a recent vaccination are widely acknowledged by the traditional veterinary community.

Unfortunately, these reactions are considered by traditional vets to be occasional aberrations that result from a basically safe procedure.

Vaccinosis, on the other hand, is a problem only holistic veterinarians seem willing to acknowledge. It is a reaction of a pet's body to vaccines that have been injected without the pet having experienced a notable adverse event or hypersensitivity. These are chronic reactions to not only the altered virus contained in the vaccine, but also to the chemicals, adjuvants, and other components of tissue culture cell lines – as well as possible genetic changes – that can be induced by vaccines.

Dr. Richard Pitcairn, who holds a PhD in immunology, defines it this way: "Vaccinosis is to be understood as the disturbance of the vital force by vaccination that results in mental, emotional, and a physical change that can, in some cases, be a permanent condition."

Dr. Pitcairn: Vaccines Create Chronic Disease

According to Dr. Pitcairn, vaccines intended to protect pets against acute natural diseases actually create chronic conditions with features of the disease the vaccine was supposed to prevent.

This transformation begins in the laboratory, where natural viruses are modified in order to make vaccines.

Whereas the natural virus would trigger a strong immune system response, the modified lab-created virus in the vaccine doesn't elicit much of a reaction by the animal's immune system. Instead, it creates chronic disease.

The delivery of a vaccine is also very different from how a natural disease develops in an animal's body.

Vaccines contain a number of toxic substances, including viruses, mutated bacteria, immune irritants, foreign proteins, and chemical preservatives. All of these toxins are delivered by injection directly into the blood and lymph, bypassing the usual first line of defenses, including the skin, mucous membranes, saliva, and so forth. So not only is the virus in the vaccine unnatural, the way it enters a pet's body is also very unnatural.

When you look at the situation from this perspective, it's easy to see how abnormal immune reactions are triggered by vaccinations.

Your Pet's Individual Risk of Vaccinosis

The strength and balance of every animal's immune system is different, so there's no way to predict – unless your dog or cat has had a reaction in the past – how much danger your pet is in from exposure to the modified virus contained in any given vaccine or the many toxic ingredients it contains.

That's why I strongly encourage pet owners to avoid all unnecessary vaccines and re-vaccinations [i.e., "booster" shots].

Symptoms of Vaccinosis

COMMON VACCINE REACTIONS INCLUDE:

Lethargy	Stiffness
Hair loss	Lack of appetite
Hair color change at injection site	Conjunctivitis
Fever	Sneezing
Soreness	Oral ulcers

New clients often enter my exam room for a second opinion on how to manage their pets' chronic diseases. These diseases most often include hypothyroidism, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease or even cancer. As we review the patient's case, one of the most important questions I ask is, "Are your pet's vaccinations up to date?"

"Oh, yes!" is the reply. "My other vet just took care of that."

This answer drives me crazy. Those vaccinations can be causing or aggravating their pets' chronic diseases. And this is clearly written right on the vaccine label! Here are four very clear warnings from the vaccine manufacturers that are often ignored:

1. Vaccinate only healthy animals

Surely everyone would agree patients suffering from chronic diseases like hypothyroidism or allergies are not healthy! Yet, despite these manufacturer warnings, the previous veterinarian administered the vaccine anyway. What is the justification for this? The client is often told that annual revaccination is a requirement. Yet, vaccine inserts say...

2. Revaccination decisions should be made based on veterinarian/client/patient relationship

What does this mean? The client gets to participate in the decision? Yes! In fact, in Wisconsin and many states, there is an informed consent law which requires the veterinarian to explain benefits and risks of every recommended procedure before implementation.

What are the benefits and risks? Is there a benefit to giving a vaccination to a pet who is immune-suppressed during allergy treatment with prednisone? No – the body cannot respond to a vaccination when it's immune-suppressed. In fact, vaccine reactions are often suppressed intentionally, with prednisone treatment! Does the risk of a reaction outweigh the need for the vaccine based on the pet's lifestyle? Commonly, the answer to this is, yes! Contrary to this, my client was told annual revaccination is standard care and problems with vaccines are uncommon. Yet the insert clearly says...

3. Vaccines may produce anaphylaxis and/or inflammatory, immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions

Tissue-origin vaccines contain extraneous protein that can lead to autoimmune disease. Vaccine may induce the development of injection-site fibrosarcomas (in cats).

What is this all about? Manufacturers know that vaccines might not be safe? Vaccines might actually cause more harm than good? The manufacturer says the vaccine could cause autoimmune disease?
What is an example of an autoimmune disease? In humans, many are familiar with lupus. In pets, many are familiar with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP). These are life-threatening blood disorders. Often the cause is unidentified. Yet these disorders commonly occur within two weeks to three months after a vaccination.

There seems to be an epidemic of autoimmune thyroiditis in dogs. Researchers are now proposing an autoimmune mechanism as a cause for arthritis. Concerned pet guardians can't help but wonder about the vaccine connection to all this!

My practice is inundated with the most chronically and severely ill patients because we offer alternatives for pets when conventional approaches fail. My staff is always so excited when a fresh new puppy or kitten arrives because we love nothing more than to get them off to a great start! We strive to provide a safe balance using Western diagnostics and skills and Eastern thought and natural medicines.

Periodically, a savvy new pet guardian will say, "My regular vet told me those titers are a waste of money. The vaccine is cheaper and then you know your pet is protected." But, my new smart client adds, "I had a friend whose puppy was vaccinated and died from parvo anyway. I'm so confused, I just want to do what's best." What the previous veterinarian didn't explain is that it clearly states in the vaccine manufacturer insert....

4. Maternal antibodies interfere with the development of immunity in a puppy (or kitten)

If maternal antibodies block the effectiveness of the vaccine and you don't know this, than an exposed pup will get very ill, despite being vaccinated. How can you know whether that vaccine has protected your puppy? Draw some blood and check the titer! That's what titers measure best: the development of immunity.

Why do vaccine manufacturers make these statements and place them inside every vaccine package?

They don't want to be held liable for harm that can happen if their products aren't used properly. For this same reason, veterinary advisors who work for these companies will recommend that vaccines not be repeated after a reaction. Yet, my clients tell me their reactive pets are still vaccinated every year, but the vet gives an antihistamine injection prior to giving the offending vaccine. The veterinarian who does this is clearly ignoring the vaccine manufacturer's warning.

Be your pet's advocate. Now you know that it's okay to question the routine administration of vaccinations. All you need to do is ask your vet to let you read the vaccine insert and you can ask him for his reasons for vaccinating your dog against the recommendation of the vaccine manufacturer.