We got a call from Animal Control...A handsome Toy Fox Terrier named Fidel needed rescue. Medically, all was well for about three days and then kennel cough hit the little guy like a ton of bricks. Not a surprise really...not to those of us involved with rescue on an ongoing basis...we see and deal with kennel cough a bit too often. This little guy has been on antibiotics for five days...he still breaks your heart. He was blowing snot bubbles for a few days...now his nose is nasty and crusty...and when you try to clean it, he fights and bites...yikes, you know he has got to hurt. One eye keeps matting shut. He is still eatting (canned food only) and slowly meanders around with absolutely no spunk. Boy does his pitiful looks tug at the heart strings.

Several people have reported their dogs have kennel cough...seems to be a tough strain of it. Many have been very, very sick and a few dogs have passed away. Kennel cough is extremely risky for senior dogs and puppies. Kennel Cough is always an ongoing risk...it never really goes away...but recently the out-break seems to have increased again. BE SURE TO VACCINATE your dogs for kennel cough...it is really important! Yes...It is time consuming to take your dog to get vaccinations. But if your dogs gets kennel cough, it is both time and financially costly. Oh so preventable...so please make sure your dogs are vaccinated yearly.

Also be aware that this is the season for parvo flare-ups too. This deadly disease is not one to mess with nor should you delay in making sure vaccinations are updated. Remember we lost one last December due to parvo (which he already had when rescued)...he died quickly. We did manage to save two more through the perils of parvo...but oh the suffering and stress on the dog it causes. And it is extremely expensive to treat. Vaccinate...save your dog's life!!

We will continue to help Fidel as he struggles to get over kennel cough...knowing he is not going to be the last rescue to bring it home. The whole foster pack has been vaccinated which provides a level of safety for each of the other dogs.

I'm off to wipe a nasty, pitiful little face and then give lots of lovin'...in hopes of being forgiven for touching that sore little nose again.

Check on those vaccinations. If they are outdated or almost expired, get them caught up!! You and your dog will be happier!!...Carol