k9cages.co.uk

Dog Announces $35,000 Donation to Study the Rabies Vaccine

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) May 1, 2008 -- Chiclet T. Dog, canine co-author of the award-winning book 'Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care', announces a $35,000 matching gift to the Rabies Challenge Fund. The Fund is conducting studies to prove that vaccine immunity persists for at least five years, and maybe as long as seven. Phase Two of the study will investigate vaccine additives called adjuvants and set up a reporting system for adverse reactions.

A feisty four-pound Maltese dog named Chiclet, her guardian Jan Rasmusen and two anonymous donors announce a joint $35,000 matching gift to the Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust. Rasmusen and Chiclet, co-authors of the national award-winning book Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care (http://www.Dogs4Dogs.com/), hope to raise public awareness about problems with present rabies vaccination protocols and encourage other dog lovers to help fund this important study.

The Fund's study does NOT challenge the need for this important vaccine. Rather, it employs USDA vaccine-licensing standards to determine if immunity provided by a rabies shot persists for at least 5 years, and hopefully seven. Phase 2 will investigate the safety of veterinary vaccine adjuvants and set up a badly-needed reporting system for adverse reactions to this and other vaccines.

Rasmusen began studying vaccination dangers when her dog Jiggy developed autoimmune liver disease after a rabies shot. She says, "We have the chance to better the lives of, not just hundreds of dogs, or even thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dogs. We can potentially help improve the health of every dog in America. How exciting is that!"

Throughout the summer, the donors will add $1 for every $2 donated (for donations of $100 or more). Thus, public donations totaling $70,000 will bring the Fund $105,000. Chiclet will throw in a paw-tographed copy of Scared Poopless for donations topping $500.

Although the rabies vaccine is well-documented to give immunity for three years, blood studies (serum antibody titers) have shown protective immunity to persist seven years after vaccination. Regrettably, some states and localities in the U.S. still mandate vaccination annually or biannually. Because the vaccine is linked to numerous behavior and health problems, over-vaccination can be dangerous. Documented immediate, and delayed-onset, reactions include:

? Injection site cancer

? Seizures and epilepsy

? Autoimmune diseases

? Blood diseases

? Allergies

? Skin diseases

? Chronic digestive disorders

? Muscle weakness

? Behavior Problems: aggression, OCD, separation anxiety

? Loss of consciousness

? Death

Unfortunately, official reporting of adverse reactions s is voluntary and rare. Rasmusen says, "Few of us are warned about the rabies vaccine's possible adverse effects. Worse yet, delayed or unexpected reactions often go unlinked to the shot."

Nationally-renowned pet vaccination experts Dr's. Jean Dodds and Ronald Schultz, and their staffs, are donating their services for this study. The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, site of the study, has waived its normal 48% overhead charge. For all involved, this is a labor of love.

Rasmusen has prepared an entertaining and informative video slideshow starring Chiclet called Dog Rabid About Rabies Vaccine Dangers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pQHQw-5XCw). Rasmusen hopes the humorous video, packed with cute photos and easy-to-digest information, will alert dog "parents" to vaccine dangers and prompt them to take action.

Chiclet's friend, the canine superstar Benji, has a cameo role in the video and also lends support: 'This important study is long overdue. I give the Rabies Challenge study four BIG paws up!'

Surprising Facts:

? In 2007, the Center for Disease Control declared CANINE rabies nonexistent in the U.S. Dogs will not contract rabies from other dogs, but only from wild animals such as bats, coyotes, skunks, raccoons and foxes.

? A Chihuahua and a Great Dane get the same size dose of vaccine.

? The USDA will not accept blood antibody tests showing seven-year immunity, or a 1992 French challenge study proving five-year immunity. As a result, dog lovers wanting to stop needless over-vaccination must fund research themselves.

Dog lovers, many of whose dogs have experienced severe vaccine reactions, have funded approximately eighteen months of the study. Donations to complete the study may be made at The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust (http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/about%20the%20RCF.html), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Extensive information and vaccination safety tips are available at Truth4Dogs.org (http://www.truth4dogs.org). Rasmusen urges dog lovers to post their experiences with the rabies vaccine in this Guestbook (http://www.Squidoo.com/rabiesvaccine).

About Rasmusen and Chiclet:

Scared Poopless won the Ben Franklin Award for Best Health Book and the USABookNews Award for Best Pet Health Book. A frequent guest on numerous television and radio broadcasts, Rasmusen publishes a popular free e-newsletter on natural health care for dogs (http://www.Dogs4Dogs.com/).

Contact Jan for interviews and hi res photography at 858-449-8898 (PDT). Short-notice interviews are welcomed.

Charitable Inquiries:

Rasmusen currently makes donations only to the rabies vaccine study. Low-cost copies of Scared Poopless, and her natural nutrition recordings, are offered to nonprofits for fundraising.

Jan Rasmusen

858-449-8898 PDT

San Diego, CA

###

MORE ARTICLES:

Different Brands and Types of Pet Kennels
Pet kennels are basically at the top of the list in terms of pet necessities In order to have a harmonious relationship with your pet, you should be able to choose the pet kennel that is suitable for them

Training Your Dog The "Leave It" Command
The ?Leave it? command is among the most crucial commands you will be able to teach your dog It will keep your dog away from trouble

Cat Beds ? How To Choose Them For Choosy Cats
Whether you are getting a new kitten or thinking of changing things up for the cats you already have, cat beds are likely going to be a part of the equation If you still think cat beds are nothing more than a pillow for your feline to curl up on, you are quite behind the times

Cats -- Storming the Web One Kitten at a Time
If you have been browsing social sites recently then you know that there is a particular type of content which has taken over the web at a viral rate, no it is not a virus neither it is a scam however, it is a grand slam; we are talking about kittens. It seems that lately a huge part of the online community has become very attached to these cute little furry animals, let's explore a little bit some of the situations (good and bad) that triggered the worldwide cat phenomena.

5 Quick And Easy Homemade Cat Treats!
Hey I'm glad you stumbled upon this article because I'm about to teach you 5 homemade cat treats you can quickly and easily whip up for your kitty at any time

Purina Brand Dog Food Extends its National Sponsorship of Quail Unlimited, the Nation's Leader in Quail Conservation
Rocky Evans, President of Quail Unlimited(QU), the Nation's leader in quail conservation, announces the extended sponsorship of the QU organization and its Chapter members by St. Louis, MO. based Purina Dog Food.

Chew Proof Dog Beds - How to Choose the Right One
Puppies just like babies go through the teething stage which means he will chew anything he can get his little teeth on including your shoes, furniture and of course his dog bed.

Dog Information - Choosing The Right Food for Your Dog
Your pet is as close to you as a family member, and you want to do whatever it takes to please her and ensure that she remains in the best possible health. To accomplish that requires proper dog information so that you can determine what's in your canine companion's best interest. One of the most significant choices you will make in your life relates to the proper nourishment for your dog. The selection you eventually make will affect each and every aspect of your dog's existence.

Cat Care Tips.
Groom your Cat often Whether long haired or shorthaired cats should be brushed often to remove lose hairs

Pet Shipping And International Adoption
International pet adoption of rare and/or expensive breeds is a common choice for people seeking those animals at a reasonable price Unfortunately, international pet adoption scams are also more commonplace, as reported on various news stories

ASPCA Issues Statement on Controversy Around Ellen DeGeneres' Adoption and Re-Homing of Family Dog
The ASPCA (http://www.aspca.org)® today responded to media reports and overwhelming public inquiries regarding the situation of Iggy, the dog adopted by Ellen DeGeneres from the Los Angeles-based rescue group Mutts & Moms, who was recently removed from Ms. DeGeneres? hairdresser?s home after the rescue group learned of the re-homing that was conducted without its knowledge or prior approval as specified in its adoption contract.

Is Your Dog In Pain Without You Realising?
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly unpredictable. When you handle a dog in that you suspect to be in pain, you should always proceed with great care.

Sckoon Organic Cotton Pet Collection (Dog Kimonos, T-shirt, Soft Toys) -- First Ever in the US Market
Sckoon Organics, a leading wholesaler and retailer of organic baby apparel, launched its collection of certified organic cotton dog apparel and toys- the first of its kind in the United States. The collection includes basic dog t-shirts to the more exotic, dog kimonos, and stuffed chew toys - with every element being 100% organic cotton - from the thread, to the stuffing, to the tag.

You Must Train Your Dog From A Young Age
The best thing to do is to start training your new puppy as soon as you get him home. You need to teach your puppy your rules, and how you expect him to behave starting from a very early age.