I hope that this letter finds you and your wet-nosed friend enjoying the beautiful spring like weather (and that the floods are behind us!).  I am writing to you because we are implementing an important change in our vaccination policy.  In an effort to keep all of your friends safe and healthy, as of June 1, 2010, we are requiring that all four-legged visitors to our facility are vaccinated for Canine Influenza Virus.   We are proud that we are setting the standards for safe pet care.   We know that not every doggie daycare, boarding or grooming facility will require this until there is an actual outbreak of this virus in MA. (Recently, there have been some confirmed cases in MA at Angell Memorial Hospital.) 

           In accordance with our philosophy of never settling for anything less than excellence in pet care, we have chosen to be proactive.  What we know is that this virus has traveled across the United States and that healthy dogs can pass this virus.  This is much like when your buddy comes to work and "feels fine" but the next day has the flu.... and what comes next is that everyone in the office has the flu.  The problem with this particular virus is that in many cases it can turn into pneumonia and can be very costly to treat with supportive care. This may include many trips to the veterinarians office for x-rays, fluid therapy, antibiotics and even hospital admission for oxygen therapy and intensive care.   We also know that vaccinated dogs can still get the virus but in most cases recover in a few days as opposed to the unvaccinated dogs that can be sick for 30-45 days. Therefore, we are forced to make the smart decision and protect our furry friends from this contagious virus that now has been seen in ALL of our neighboring states.  The latest outbreak was in NH and we are confident that we have made the correct decision to require this vaccine.

         We appreciate your business and for trusting your friends with us.  We hope to be your boarding facility this summer, but we realize that other facilities that are taking a wait and see approach may win you over for now.  For me, it is too much of a gamble to take with your pets health and to put blinders on and pretend that the virus doesn't exist.  I have never put my head in the sand and ignored something that could potentially harm your pet because I respect and appreciate that you trust my facility to do the best we can by your family members and I will not start now.  If you have questions you may email me directly at doglady@jmk9.com .

 

Concerned about your pet and forever grateful for your patronage,

     

      Jeni Mather  (the doglady)

                 Founder Brockton Blue Dog Shelter

                 West Bridgewater Animal Control Officer