Poor Charlee
Where is the dog that played all day?
She’s lying stiff and silent in my doorway.
Just a few weeks ago she had life and fire,
A special kind of spirit that was hard to acquire.
Who poisoned this dog I want to know?
She was a puppy and starting to grow.
Friendly and inquisitive, everyone was a friend.
Did someone really want her life to end?
What percentage of lives lost is considered okay?
How many pets have to suffer and pass away?
I thought I would love her until her dying breath.
What could I have done to prevent her death?
Since 2007 the AVMA has issued alerts regarding Fanconi syndrome-like disease in dogs. The problem appeared to be connected to the consumption of chicken jerky treats made in China. Only occasional reports have been received since that time. The FDA was alerted but the levels of toxins and contaminants was not considered high enough to take action.
Over the last 8 years I’ve given chicken jerky treats to 6 dogs as rewards. The dogs responded well and I thought the quality of the chicken treats was exceptional. However, over the past six months I was beginning to see differences in packages. Some of the treats were dry and others seemed to be slightly moist. But I continued to purchase the treats simply because the dogs liked them.
In late November, Charlee, an 8 month old German Shepherd, began showing strange symptoms. After eating she would throw up. Then came excessive drooling, lethargy, and a refusal to eat. In my own ignorance I gave her more chicken strips to keep her from starving. She would eat those but little else. Finally she was taken to the veterinarian. On December 6, 2012, only problems concerning her digestive system were noted and her general condition was considered good. Charlee continued to suffer and on December 8, 2012, she was dead.
On January 8, 2013, I was in a store looking for dog food and dog treats. I noticed an employee busily taking packages of chicken strips off the shelves. A recall was in progress. Poor Charlee. The recall came too late to save her life.
Related articles
- Firms withdraw chicken jerky pet treats over antibiotics (vitals.nbcnews.com)
- Two firms withdraw chicken jerky pet treats (vitals.nbcnews.com)
- Purina taking some jerky dog treats off market (wfaa.com)
- For All Dog Owners: China Refuses To Halt Production Of Chicken Jerky Dog Treats (preciousjules1985.wordpress.com)
- Purina taking some jerky dog treats off market (seattlepi.com)
- Purina taking some jerky dog treats off market (kfwbam.com)
Dan, this is so sad for you and for the pup. I’m sorry! But thank you for this poem, post, and willingness to share this story so that others can be on the alert.
I could have mentioned brand names. I did email waggin train but got little response.
> Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2013 03:40:06 +0000 > To: poetsenvy@hotmail.com >
Thanks!
We’ve been buying a similar product for the cat. I’m going to check into it, though she seems to be okay.
Dan, so sad. Your poor little guy didn’t go quickly or easily.