It's summer in Canada and everyone is thrilled to be outside enjoying the fine weather. In the theme of the bad comes with the good is the fact that ticks and mosquitoes thrive in the warm weather that we are enjoying.
These irritating insects look to humans and animals as food sources so it's important that we protect ourselves and our furbabies when we step out of doors.
These irritating insects look to humans and animals as food sources so it's important that we protect ourselves and our furbabies when we step out of doors.
Ticks feed themselves by latching onto mammals and drawing on their blood supply, often trading serious diseases for the favor. Ticks are small and are difficult to see once they land on our furry family members. Regular tick checks are ultra important. Not sure how to successfully accomplish a tick check? Visit here for more information. There are plenty of OTC meds and solutions available to prevent ticks, but definitely ask your Vet about a safe solution for your pets. Not all methods are safe for your animals or your family and can do more harm than good.
Mosquitoes are another source of aggravation and illness for our furred family members. It's literally impossible to go through a summer season without being bitten and, if your pets are outside, guaranteed they will be surrounded by hungry mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is of major concern to dog owners and an excellent reason to get those annual checkups and meds from your Vet. The meds may put a tiny dent in your budget, however, the prevention is far less costly than the cure.
Mosquitoes are another source of aggravation and illness for our furred family members. It's literally impossible to go through a summer season without being bitten and, if your pets are outside, guaranteed they will be surrounded by hungry mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is of major concern to dog owners and an excellent reason to get those annual checkups and meds from your Vet. The meds may put a tiny dent in your budget, however, the prevention is far less costly than the cure.
 Kiwi |  Ska |  Toby |
Gunnar A notable rescue attempt took place recently in Manitoba which ended in the dog losing his life due to a tick infestation. Despite all efforts made to save his life, Gunnar, at the age of 1, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. The tick count on his little body was in the thousands.
With a little prevention, Gunnar's story may have had a different ending.
Ska (middle) is the name of a gorgeous girl that came into Rescue the same week as Gunnar. Although she has survived her tick infestation, she requires assistance to stand and walk. In another separate case, also overwhelmed by ticks, Toby (right) suffered from tick paralysis. Toby was unable to walk, his owner thought that he had been hit by a car and was suffering from debilitating injuries. It took 3 days of treatment and some luck for Toby to be able to walk again. A young pup called Kiwi (left) was also brought in by caring rescuers, she required 2 blood transfusions and is still in danger of succumbing to her tick infestation.
With a little prevention, Gunnar's story may have had a different ending.
Ska (middle) is the name of a gorgeous girl that came into Rescue the same week as Gunnar. Although she has survived her tick infestation, she requires assistance to stand and walk. In another separate case, also overwhelmed by ticks, Toby (right) suffered from tick paralysis. Toby was unable to walk, his owner thought that he had been hit by a car and was suffering from debilitating injuries. It took 3 days of treatment and some luck for Toby to be able to walk again. A young pup called Kiwi (left) was also brought in by caring rescuers, she required 2 blood transfusions and is still in danger of succumbing to her tick infestation.
In response to the loss of young Gunnar and the countless other afflicted animals, Save A Dog Network launched "The Gunnar Project" to bring tick awareness and provide tick treatments to low income families and unowned dogs. While Gunnar did not have to die, his passing motivated a group of caring and passionate rescuers to halt further needless tragedies.
Strays That Can't Pay Founder Alicia Hoemsen paid loving tribute to the innocent Gunnar with a moving ode to his passing, thank you Alicia for these most touching words.
Strays That Can't Pay Founder Alicia Hoemsen paid loving tribute to the innocent Gunnar with a moving ode to his passing, thank you Alicia for these most touching words.
.
I died today.
I wasn't euthanized. I wasn't hit by a car.
I wasn't shot or poisoned. I wasn't old and I didn't have parvo.
I did have a family though. For 1 & 1/2 years.
And as I lay helpless and suffering they continued to walk by.
Then a stranger came to the yard. She saw me and came over.
She saw I needed help. She called another lady.
That lady called another lady. Then they were picking me up.
They put me in a car and drove really fast.
They were taking me to a place that would help me.
Then there were so many hands on me. Helping me.
Yes there were needles but they were helping me.
But I was done. I couldn't hang on. It was too late But I remember.
I remember the hands on me and helping me. Strangers.
They didn't know me. Never met me before but they loved me so easily.
They cared so much. I am sorry I died. I didn't want to.
I wanted so desperately to live. To live and to play. With you. With strangers. My new family. The one I remembered as I died.
The family that loved me. Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for trying.
I will be waiting for you at the bridge.
I died today.
I wasn't euthanized. I wasn't hit by a car.
I wasn't shot or poisoned. I wasn't old and I didn't have parvo.
I did have a family though. For 1 & 1/2 years.
And as I lay helpless and suffering they continued to walk by.
Then a stranger came to the yard. She saw me and came over.
She saw I needed help. She called another lady.
That lady called another lady. Then they were picking me up.
They put me in a car and drove really fast.
They were taking me to a place that would help me.
Then there were so many hands on me. Helping me.
Yes there were needles but they were helping me.
But I was done. I couldn't hang on. It was too late But I remember.
I remember the hands on me and helping me. Strangers.
They didn't know me. Never met me before but they loved me so easily.
They cared so much. I am sorry I died. I didn't want to.
I wanted so desperately to live. To live and to play. With you. With strangers. My new family. The one I remembered as I died.
The family that loved me. Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for trying.
I will be waiting for you at the bridge.
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