dex95lucy

I work on a greyhound farm. A few years ago we had an awful infestation of ticks. We bombed the kennels, used frontline, to no avail. What really helped the most was using Sevin 5, found in the gardening section of the hardware store. Make sure it is the "5" and not the "7". We powdered the dogs and inside kennels. This killed the ticks the fastest. We also used the diatamaceous earth, a natural product. Again, powdered the dogs and bedding areas. This was slower working but worked well in their beds. We try to stay away from the chemicals but sometimes they are necessary, so we do what we have to, and go to the less harsh products when things settle down. It was just so hard to get ahead of the ticks. Both products are inexpensive compared to the products like frontline. I also found a spray at Tractor supply, called Bronco, for about five bucks. It says it is a fly spray but it kills ticks and can be used on dogs. I sprayed the walls in the kennels, which is plywook, so there are cracks and knots and seams. I sprayed all the seams and cracks I could reach as the ticks seemed to nest in there. So far this year I have not seen a tick, though now that I am bragging they will probably appear. I hope some of this helps. I know the frustration. And I feel so badly for the dogs having to suffer with them. sue

Robin, I don't know how you feel about this, but had you considered consulting the animal communicator? I know some who have had good results. My kids always go through a period of depression when we lose someone. It is the saddest thing to try to deal with. You are the best mom I know of, and you must be at your wits end. Maxine and I often talk of your trials. Know that your family is in my prayers. sue

Antibiotics can cause appetite changes and also the big D, especially three weeks of treatment. Good luck. sue

Oh Michele, my heart goes out to you and your family. I work on a farm with greyhounds and collies. Over the last fourteen months we have lost seven sweet dogs, four collies and three greyhounds. Most were old. Two collies died in their sleep, two collies died for unknown reasons. One greyhound had kidney disease, one had cancer, and the vet could not find the cause of the deterioration of the third greyt. The greyhound with the unknown illness kept fighting right up to the end. We kept deciding to help her to cross the bridge, and she would suddenly perk up and improve. But it was so temporary. When we did take her, she still acted like she was not ready. But her body just was not cooperating with her spirit. She had gone from the most beautiful Polly to an unrecognizable skeleton. We made the decision then that we would rather help them cross the bridge one day too soon than one day too late, as we had for Polly. Believe me, sometimes all the vet and human care in the world just does not make a difference. I believe now that it is my responsibility to do the hardest favor ever, and allow my sweet dogs to pass with dignity. The time comes when all avenues have been exhausted, and we must let them go. They have given us their "all" and now it is time for us to respect them. I still mourn for our losses, and am crying as I write this. There is no running from this pain, and each is as painful as the last loss. I try to think of the good times and their antics and their fantastic lives. You will be in my prayers. sue