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centralparkpawsblog · 6 years ago

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Puppy Shot Schedule

https://www.centralparkpaws.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Puppy-vet-health-checkups-are-important-to-monitor-their-growth.jpg As I was preparing to bring my puppy Maggie home, I was told by many friends and family members who had raised their own puppies that I needed to prepare for vet visits.

Puppies need to go to the vet very often during their first year at home.

It’s crucial for the vet to monitor their growth, health, and vaccinations.

The number of puppy shots you’ll need to look forward to may be overwhelming, so here’s everything you need to know about the typical puppy shot schedule.

Age Recommended Vaccinations Optional Vaccinations 6-8 weeks DHPP Bordetella, Measles 8-12 weeks DHPP Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease 12 weeks+ Rabies None 14-16 weeks DHPP Coronavirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis 12-16 months Rabies, DHPP Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease Every year – Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease Every 3 years (after initial booster) DHPP – Every 1-3 years Rabies (as required by law) –

Why Puppies Need Shots

Before puppies go home at eight weeks, they haven’t really been exposed to the world.

Their immune systems are still developing, so they’re kept in their own space or one shared with their mom and siblings.

They need regular shots to keep them safe from the world they’re encountering as they grow.

The shots also need to be spaced out because their tiny systems can’t handle all the shots at once.

Taking your puppy to the vet is just part of the schedule you’ll need to follow with your new puppy.

How Many Vaccinations Puppies Need

After they turn eight weeks old, puppies need to get vaccinated every two to four weeks until they’re 14 weeks old.

After that, their bigger vaccinations will wait until they’re six months and twelve months old.

When Maggie was a baby, I thought the vet trips were a little overboard. Then I learned what they were for.

With each vaccination, she got a little more freedom and her health stayed safe. Keeping your growing pup safe is totally worth the visits and vet bills.

What Vaccinations They’ll Receive

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Leah Ferrante

Each puppy vaccination helps different aspects of their health.

There are so many ways for puppies to get sick because they haven’t built up an immunity to anything.

While you’ll be able to take care of, say, ear mites at home, the following diseases are much more serious.

Here’s what each vaccination does so you can better understand how they’ll help your puppy.

Canine Distemper – 6-8 Weeks

Distemper is a terrible airborne virus that unvaccinated dogs and puppies are especially susceptible to.

It’s a virus that attacks the nervous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. Puppies can get it from other dogs, as well as skunks, raccoons, and other small animals.

It’s most commonly received through airborne exposure, although dogs can get it from sharing toys or bowls with other dogs.

Distemper starts out as a fever, with slightly reddened eyes and discharge from the nose. As the disease spreads, the infected dog will become tired and resist eating. Vomiting and diarrhea can also appear as symptoms, as well as continuous coughing.

A complete list of symptoms include:

Coughing

Fever

Discharge from the nose and eyes

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Paralysis

Seizures

There’s currently no cure for distemper, which is why the vaccine is crucial.

Canine Parainfluenza – 6-8 Weeks

Another highly contagious virus is parainfluenza.

It’s a respiratory virus that can sometimes be mistaken for influenza, but they require two different vaccinations.

Parainfluenza can result in:

Coughing

Lack of appetite

Loss of energy

Nasal discharge

Puppies can get it from being around other dogs, public spaces, or even groomers.

Parvovirus – 10-12 Weeks

If you’ve been a previous dog owner, you may have heard of parvo before.

It mostly affects puppies between six weeks to six months old.

They get it if they sniff or lick anything that’s been touched by contaminated feces, so it’s easy to contract if puppies are out in public or at dog parks.

U.S. Air Force Photo by Josh Plueger

Symptoms may include:

Exhaustion

Anorexia

Weight loss

Dehydration

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Fever

These symptoms are especially noticeable in young puppies, since they’ll naturally have high levels of energy and want to eat all the time.

DHPP – Multiple Shots Starting at 10-12 Weeks

The DHPP vaccine contains many vaccinations in one.

It protects your puppy from distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis, as well as parainfluenza. This combo vaccine may be the most powerful one your puppy gets.

Rabies – Multiple Shots Starting at 12-24 Weeks

The rabies vaccine would have changed the ending of this classic story

Rabies may be the most well-known virus that a dog can contract, and puppies get multiple vaccinations against it in their first year.

They can only get it from the bite of an infected animal, but it works quickly.

An infected dog will experience a burst of energy before facing paralysis in their limbs. The paralysis then moves to the face, locking their jaw.

Other common symptoms are:

Eating dirt or stones

Dehydration

Anorexia

Agitation

Anxiety

Since many of the symptoms for these common puppy diseases may not appear to be symptoms of a disease at first, puppies may not get the help they need in time.

The rigorous vaccination schedule each puppy undergoes at a vet is for their own good.

What to Expect from Vet Bills

It’s difficult to know what to expect from your vet bills once you start going in with your puppy to get their vaccinations.

Vaccinating your dog is just as important to their health as is providing healthy food that will help them grow and add weight safely

Not every veterinarian office will charge the same amount for every visit or vaccination.

You can always call ahead and ask for a price estimate before an appointment. This is especially good to do before you go in for your puppy’s first vaccination appointment because it shows a couple of important things:

First, it’ll show if your vet is willing to work with you.

Most vets should be able to provide an estimate with no hassle. Vaccinations are standard, so there shouldn’t be much flexibility in pricing within the one office.

Second, you’ll get to know your vet’s office better. You want to go to a clinic where the staff is friendly and welcoming.

Especially if you’re a first time dog owner, those staff members will be the ones answering all of your questions at appointments and during phone calls.

Conclusion

Preparing to bring your puppy home will require time, energy, and more money than you may have initially thought.

Dogs require supplies, so when you pay for everything your pup will need and then realize you still have vet visits in your future, puppy vaccinations may seem like a pain.

Vaccinations are some of the best things your puppy will receive in their first year of life.

Ultimately, they’ll be able to protect themselves from many common diseases that are completely preventable.

Trust the vaccination process and that your vet will do everything in their power to help your puppy grow into their strongest and healthiest self.

By the time your puppy turns one year old, you’ll forget the many vet trips and only need to think about vaccinations at their annual checkup.

The post Puppy Shot Schedule appeared first on Central Park Paws.

from https://www.centralparkpaws.net/pet-health/puppy-shot-schedule/

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freewayinsurance · 2 years ago

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5 Reasons You Need Pet Insurance

No one likes to think about their pet getting sick or being injured, but it’s important to have a plan in place if it does happen. And that’s the main reason you need pet insurance. Like any insurance, pet insurance is there to help in case an unexpected event occurs. But pet insurance can also help pay for those routine visits and medications.

Here are the top five reasons you need pet insurance.

1. Pet Insurance Can Cover the Cost of Unexpected Vet Bills

Many people consider their pets to be members of the family, and just like any other family member, they want to make sure they’re taken care of if they become ill or injured. Pet insurance can help to do just that.

It will cover the costs of unexpected veterinary bills, giving pet owners peace of mind in knowing that their furry friend will always have access to the best possible care. Pet insurance also provides financial protection in case your pet needs more expensive treatment, like surgery, chemotherapy or emergency care.

And there are a variety of different pet insurance policies available that cover different things, so it’s important to do some research to find the one that best meets your needs. But with a little bit of planning, you can ensure that your pet will always be well taken care of, no matter what life throws your way.

2. Pet Insurance Gives You Peace of Mind

Everyone wants a little peace of mind. Having pet insurance can help to give you that. You’ll know that you won’t have to come up with the money all by yourself if something happens to your pet. And you’ll feel good about doing the right thing by being prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Ultimately, pet insurance is there to give you one less thing to worry about so you can enjoy your time with your beloved companion.

3. You Can Choose the Vet You Want

With pet insurance, you can choose the vet you want. That’s because pet insurance policies reimburse you for services rendered. This means that you can visit virtually any service provider without having to worry about being in-“petwork”, as we like to say. On top of that, most policies cover a wide range of services, from routine check-ups to emergency surgery. So you can rest assured that whatever it is, it’s likely covered.

And because you pay a monthly premium, you can budget for your pet’s care without worrying about unexpected expenses. So if you’re looking to give your pocketbook a break, pet insurance is a wise investment.

4. It Offers Coverage for Routine Care and Medication

Most pet insurance policies offer coverage for routine care, like vaccinations and check-ups, plus medications such as heartworm preventative. This type of protection is vital for your pet’s long-term health. Heartworms are carried by mosquitos. Whether your pet is outside most of the time or just for brief walks and potty trips, the opportunity to be infected is there. Treating heartworms can be a financially devastating cost, as well as the health implications for your pet. Having help paying for these expensive medications will go a long way to ensuring you won’t have to spend money treating your pet for a preventable disease.

5. Identify Serious Issues with Your Pet Early

With human health insurance, when your family goes to the doctor for routine health exams, the opportunity is there to catch something more serious before it becomes a major issue. It’s the same for your pets. Because pet care costs can be prohibitive in the family budget, some pet owners may put off taking in Fido and Fluffy for their annual wellness exam. With help from pet insurance paying for these routine visits, the opportunity to catch something and “nip” it in the bud is there.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Pet insurance is more affordable than you might think. Pet insurance costs dog owners an average of $35/month and cat owners an average of $28/month. That means you can insure your beloved pet each month for less than the price of a tank of gas.

Sounds like a no-brainer, right?

When it comes to your pet’s health and well-being, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Pet insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for anything.

Find Affordable Pet Insurance Online Today

Getting insurance coverage for your pet has never been easier. With Freeway Insurance, you can get a pet insurance quote online in no time and be on your way to protecting your loved ones. Alternatively, you can give us a call at (800) 777-5620 or stop by one of our convenient locations.

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chriscoleman · 4 years ago

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Covid Lockdown

March 2020 to May 2021

The COVID quarantine is slowly lifting. Here is a quick review of our last year in limbo.

The first COVID death in Seattle was in a nursing home on February 29th, 2020. We discussed the serious threat at Ultimate that day. Then Julia and I went to a Umphrey’s McGee concert at Showbox SODO that evening. I remember questioning if we should be taking this virus seriously, but brushing off the idea.

March 2nd our life was turned around in another way - the rental apartment we lived in for the past 8 years was being sold. Time to decide if buying a house is a smart decision…

March 11th the CDC officially declared COVID a pandemic. Things get serious fast. We begin watching the news constantly.

March 14th was our last day skiing for the 2019/2020 season. There was still significant snow on the mountain - but state restrictions closed down the resort. Then we jumped into a backcountry ski/camp trip. Shortly after that - even backcountry skiing was forbidden. That’s when the lockdown got serious.

The rest of March and April were uneventful. I thought I had COVID at 1 point, but tests were hard to get. The at-home test I did get returned a negative result. Julia had a small accident that took the Subaru out of commission for a little bit. No big deal.

Sadly the white cat, Lucy, had to be put down. The process with COVID restrictions at the vet made the experience extra hard. Sad to see my favorite cat gone after 12 years together.

May 27th we got the keys to our new house in Beacon Hill, Seattle! Huge day for us. One I didn’t think would ever come. Home prices in Seattle are pure insanity. Buying at the beginning of the pandemic gave us a little advantage - no bidding war at all. In retrospect it was an amazing decision.

We ate momo’s (Himalayan dumplings) the first night on cardboard boxes. Then got to work on improvements right away. I made the terrible decision to do ‘exploratory drilling’ in our walls at 2am that night to route some ethernet cables for the cable company coming the next day. Luckily it worked out - but I don’t recommend putting holes in your new home on day #1.

A train of professionals came out for the big jobs:

* Plumbers - pressure reducer and expansion tank

* Electricians - new panel and service

* Insulation - replace attic insulation

* Flooring - LVP in the mud room

Julia and I got our hands dirty a bunch too:

* Closet shelving/rods

* Toilet replacement

* TV mount install

* Hanging blinds (after 1 month with none!)

* Siding repair

* Install dog door

* Light/Fan upgrades

* Fence repair

* Bench and table builds

* Chicken coop converted to raised beds

* Yard work of all kinds

* More yard work of different kinds

* Plus a bunch of small stuff that continually keep us busy

Bamboo and Blackberries were the big task. Our house is directly next to a city ‘right of way’. Basically a big plot of land the city owns where no one can build. Kinda like a park or play field directly to our south. We call it the “side yard”. Opposite our fence that separates us from the side yard was a 6 foot tall 6 foot wide 60 foot long thicket of blackberries. Then it turned into 30 foot tall bamboo beyond that.

Julia and I took 1 weekend to clear the bamboo from inside our backyard. Then another 2 weekends to clear the bamboo from the side yard. Luckily a city mower came and tore down most of the blackberries with a tractor after I reported it as a nuisance. It was a beast of a job - but the neighbors came out to help (at least to take away the bamboo poles for their gardens). Then we sheet mulched the entire area to prevent regrowth. Huge project - which we are still fighting currently - but a massive improvement the whole neighborhood enjoys.

Discovering new local restaurants was hard during COVID. Many places still offered delivery or take-out, but no inside dining. Bahn Mi sandwiches and Bubble Tea has been a staple for us. Too many cheesesteaks and taco truck burritos also. Plus a bunch of other Viatemese, Chinese, and Asian restaurants that are popular here in south Beacon Hill.

Throwing the frisbee with my teammate, Patrick, was my only activity with someone other than Julia or the Grubhub driver. We got together about once a week with masks at Judkins Park to toss. A fun way to get some sun, exercise, and social interaction.

July 11th my grandmother died in upstate NY with my mother and family close by. Not COVID related, just her time to go. The best grandma anyone could have asked for. Always an open house and supportive of all my life adventures.

September 3-6 we got permits to hike in the Cascades, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Enchantments. It’s a protected area with very limited daily permits for backcountry camping. I tried for 8 years to get these permits - so no chance we were gonna miss the opportunity. Unfortunately I got a small hernia on our birthday in July - but again - not gonna stop me! The prep-hikes in July/August went great. Another fun way to get outdoors safely.

The trip ended up amazing all around. A true life-list adventure filled with lakes, goats, vistas, and leg burning trails.

October, November, and December were totally uneventful.

January 2021 we began a bathroom remodel with Premier Contractors. Toby and his family/team worked with us to design a totally custom dream bathroom. Ferguson supplied the materials, the discount I’ve been waiting to use for 16 years of employment. Jackpot!

End of January came with great bathroom progress. They ended up replacing the majority of the house plumbing - as our old galvanized pipes were badly corroded. The electricians also came back to install new circuits for the heated flooring, jetted tub, mirror, and heater/fan/lights. We also got new circuits in the garage and my office to expand the power downstairs.

Because we are crazy - we decided to begin a 2nd project at the same time - a deck rebuild. The construction crew we got to design our back deck randomly had availability earlier than expected, which we jumped on. Why not knock out both at once?!? Demo began February 16th.

End of February the bathroom was tiled and the deck had cedar floorboards installed. Floyd, Hank, Jeff, Brian, Robert, and the whole Blue Oak Builders crew were amazing. Unfortunately the bathroom project stalled for a variety of supply/time reasons. They slowly made progress through March.

March 31st Julia and I got our first COVID vaccine shot. We jumped at the first opportunity, one of the first in our age group to get an appointment. We drove down south to the minor league hockey rink where they had the process down solid after a month of giving shots to more vulnerable people. Relief that the end was in sight! We celebrated by buying strawberry plants on the way home. :)

Then our 2nd Pfizer shot on April 20th. May 5th we were considered fully vaccinated. I celebrated with a game of pickup the first chance possible. I ended up going 441 days without ultimate - my longest streak in 24 years. Before this I had never gone 14 days without some sort of pickup, practice, league, or tournament game of ultimate. It felt amazing to be back in action - even if I’m fatter + slower than ever.

That brings us to today - May 23, 2021. Ski season is nearly over, flowers are blooming, concerts are announcing, Sounders are playing, friends are calling, and mask mandates are lifting. My schedule is already starting to fill up with fun. There really does feel like a light at the end of this tunnel. Finally!

Overall - I consider us lucky. Julia and I were able to work from home without interruption. Our companies had hiccups, but are more profitable than ever. Julia has been extremely busy with work - but that’s the life in a startup I guess.

We had no clue what buying a home at the start of a pandemic would mean. It ended up being ideal for us. Canceled vacations gave us extra time and money to invest in this 62 year old raised ranch style house. Room for Skye to enjoy, as she is getting old fast, is a treat. Not to mention offices on separate floors might have saved our relationship (seriously - who talks that loud on conference calls? just kidding my lover). We even got lucky with great neighbors who really look out for each other.

I realize that so many other people in Seattle / WA / USA / World were not so lucky during this pandemic. It sucks. I hope as these restrictions are lifted that everyone can begin to prosper again - both socially and financially. 2020 will go down as a monumental time in our lives. I look forward to post-pandemic-2021!

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mikialynn · 4 years ago

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2020 Reflection

I haven’t been great about completing my reflections the past couple of years. Parts of them do exist, and I will create finished versions. However, 2020 is a year that I absolutely cannot miss reflecting on. Especially since it seems at any moment these days, something significant and perspective-altering can just happen. So I want to preserve where I am right at this moment.

At a historical level, on a global scale, 2020 has been the most important year I have ever lived through. The events of the past year have been on a scale that is so immense, I feel like I can’t even connect with them most of the time. But then there are flashes where it hits – where I have a digestible bit of life experience that taps me into the larger emotional current. And it overwhelms and terrifies me just long enough to push it away again.

We are approaching two million deaths in the world, with thousands dying every day. California has ordered dozens of refrigerated trucks just to hold the overflow of dead bodies. I have for the first in my life experienced truly believing that my parents might die within the year. I’ve had to sit through several instances where the chances of them being exposed were high and just hold my breath waiting for the events to unfold. It reminded me a bit of that stomach-dropping moment I realized I could have contracted rabies, and that it was a fatal situation if left untreated. Only this wasn’t for myself, this was for people I love, and for a virus that had no vaccine or guaranteed treatment, and so it came with added layers of helplessness, fear, and frustration.

We have an unbridled President stoking division in the country for a power-grabbing, personal-gain agenda that is unprecedented. It’s a reality you can’t help but shake your head to in disbelief thinking this just can’t exist in this day and age in this country. And yet there it is. Confederate flags in the Capitol. The inflammatory speeches. The unchecked, unabashed lies. The shockingly amoral willingness to appeal to people with such twisted, racist, fearful views of people and the world. The childish recklessness of undermining a democracy just to deflect and rationalize a loss.

We had the Black Lives Matter protests erupt across the nation. Unlike the Women’s Rights or Climate Change marches I’ve participated in before that are organized well in advance and have a designated time, these were often spontaneous protests sparked by a real personal and immediate anger and frustration. Protests that continued for months. Protests that, though mostly peaceful, sometimes did shut down cities and burn down buildings. And we saw an aggressive and often unjustifiable containment of those protests that is also unprecedented in my lifetime. For the first time, I’ve experienced city curfews and lock downs.

Just walking down the street, the evidence of how the world has changed is everywhere. People casually walking around in masks (at least in San Francisco, though clearly this varies by city, county, and state) that at this point have developed their own fashion of patterns and styles. People veer away to give each other a wide berth, even stepping off of the sidewalk into the road to avoid getting close. And none of that is considered rude. Busy streets are seen sectioned off for pedestrian use. Streets with restaurants are now lined with a collection of makeshift outdoor seating—the prototypical wooden walls and strung up garden lights. There are circles sprayed onto parks so people sit in their designated bubbles six feet apart. Shops are boarded up, either because the store went under or as a temporary fix to the break ins that happened during the protests. Markers are on the ground outside of grocery stores to indicate where to stand in line to be six feet apart. Plexiglass erected between yourself and the cashier. Hand sanitizers in every backpack and car, at the opening to every shop. Masks tucked into pockets and purses and car doors. The routine of disinfecting groceries. It all seems so normal now.

Despite so much erupting on the global stage, in that poetic contradictory fashion, I feel like in my personal bubble 2020 has been defined by how little has happened. With the exception of 2018, which I spent moving to San Francisco and living on the West Coast for the first time, 2020 is the first year since I was 17 years old that I haven’t traveled abroad. It is a year truly characterized by being stagnant and still.

The significance of traveling for me stems from a few places. The notion of how quickly time is used up and how limited our supply of it is has always been a fundamental motivator for me in how I approach life. It’s what drives me to learn and try and explore. How else should one spend a life if not trying to fit as many different experiences and gain as much perspective as one possibly can? To that end, I think being a good person is correlated to being exposed to as many types of people, places, and life experiences as possible. To me, traveling feels like connecting myself to the larger fabric of humanity and improving myself as a person. Travelling also helps me to keep perspective. One of my greatest fears is complacency. Getting into a routine that doesn’t really move or fulfill you but allows you to get by, and thinking that is enough while your life disappears. I feel like we have to be vigilant about reminding ourselves how valuable life is and how much we can do with our time as long as we keep pushing. Travelling to new places really gives me that reset and renewed energy. So, when I emphasize how 2020 was the first year I didn’t travel, what I’m really highlighting is how a major source of what fuels me and gives me a sense of value was missing. With everything horrible going on in the world, not having that safety net to pull me back and keep me mentally healthy enabled a sort of listlessness I hadn’t experienced before.

I also couldn’t do any of my usual music or dance classes. I didn’t get to explore a new city and interact with its communities. Often times, I had to cancel planned camping and hiking trips because new lock down orders would come into place. I remember in 2018 as the year was coming to a close, I had it in my mind that my year-end reflection would be about the importance of being aimless. It was my year of having no plan, having no serious commitments, and just letting myself inhabit new versions of myself. I felt experimental, a little reckless, and free. The year 2020 is in such stark contrast.

Here are some notable sad memories from 2020. My grandfather passed away. I was supposed to fly back for his funeral in March, but Covid-19 began hitting the U.S. in a noticeable way just before that trip. I remember just the week before, I had flown to visit my friend Barb in Vegas. I remember feeling the situation escalate as that trip unfolded – from Barb telling me she was feeling sick and me realizing she could be contagious with Covid, to wearing a mask for a prolonged time for the first time as I traveled through the airport, to ultimately booking an earlier flight home once I got to Las Vegas because I no longer felt it was safe. When I got back, I remember Stewart and I were driving back from work to his place, having just picked up our things to start working from home based on the new company policy (a week before a city order mandated it) and both of us reaching that turning point as we talked in the car. Up until that point, it was if we were slowly realizing the severity of the situation in bits and pieces. On that ride as we talked about how it would be irresponsible and unsafe to travel back to see my family, it escalated to the point of realization: things were not normal anymore. Things were going to change. And they were going to change for a while.

We had already booked and planned this extended trip back to Hawaii. My friend Winnie was going to travel to San Francisco the week after we got back. I had been working hard in preparation of taking the next month to be with friends and family. I’d been looking forward to the summer, when Stewart and I had planned to visit his family on the east coast and attend my college reunion. And then suddenly it was snatched away. I remember crying coming to grips with the immediate loss of those experiences, but also with the heaviness of what was happening around me. And then making the phone call to my parents. At the time, Hawaii was nowhere near the stage of fear and seriousness that we were at in California, and I remember having to convince them that it wasn’t a good idea to come home. I remember the tension of texting and emailing my aunts and uncles and cousins trying to get them to post-pone or scale down grandpa’s funeral to Big Island residents only. Tracking the Covid cases in Hawaii and watching as each day they increased exponentially. I remember my aunt’s comments about not wanting to put hand sanitizer out or have the immediate family seated away from the audience because she didn’t want to make people feel uncomfortable. It was a silly thought then, and has not aged well. Even looking back at the funeral photos where basically no one was wearing masks except my mom and grandma (because I sent them masks) is just unconceivable from this vantage point. But that’s the thing—everyone needed to have that moment of realization. And it came to people at different times for different reasons. And to some people sadly and frustratingly, it never came.

I remember the week following my grandpa’s funeral, my dad called to tell me had accidentally hit Nala with the truck, and that when they took her to the vet they discovered a tumor in her mouth. It was a rapid decline from there, and we put her to sleep soon after. I hadn’t experienced putting a dog to sleep since I was a kid. We also invested so much more individual attention to Nala because she lived during a time when she was the only dog. So losing her was just heartbreaking. And it was heartbreaking imagining my dad feeling any sort of guilt about it, and knowing my parents had to care for her as she declined. It still hurts me to imagine Hoku, our puppy, apparently jumping in the truck looking for Nala after she was put down, trying to track her down by her scent.

I cried a lot during that beginning period of the Covid experience. I was also staying at Stewart’s place in Berkeley, which up until that time I hadn’t spent much time at. So I felt disconnected from things that felt comfortable and normal in multiple ways. I also had an underlying stress about my brother’s wedding during that time, since at that point they were still planning to go through with it in October. Ultimately, they did decide to post-pone the wedding to the following year.

Eventually Stewart and I started taking action to combat the monotony that comes from having your work and social life confined to your home by planning some camping trips. But as fate would have it, once we started doing that, California had a record-breaking year in wildfires. And so we watched as the smoke rolled in, bringing us the worst air quality levels in the world at the time, and turning the sky orange. Never before have I had to constantly monitor air quality to decide if I could go outside or not, or jump in a car to use its filtration system while waiting out a period of particularly bad smoke.

Then, to close off the year, a worker on our farm had an overnight guest that tested positive for Covid, and I had to convince my parents to get tests. I went tense and numb for a week as we awaited the results, which were thankfully all negative. And on the very same day we found out about our worker’s exposure to Covid, I found out in a mix of frantic messages from my sister and friends that a fire had broken out on the farm. No one was hurt, but the container and building that stored many of my siblings belongings (and possibly some of mine that I’m not aware of) including my sister’s wedding dress, our Christmas decorations, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in farm equipment were completely destroyed.

But there were some good things that came from 2020! Motivated by wanting to take advantage of the time I have with my family when everyone is alive and well, I started scheduling weekly Zoom calls, which is the most remote communication my family has ever had. It also pushed me to have dad chip in for a smart phone for my mom’s birthday. We also got them an antenna for the internet, so it is now much easier to be in touch.

Another happenstance of 2020 is that it forced a lot of people to be more domestic. Clearly, given the shortage of flour at grocery stores at the start of the pandemic. It was fun reading my 2016 reflection where I talk about how I’m struggling to see myself as an adult since I still just cook with premade sauces, I have never held a job for more than a year, and my largest investment is my laptop. I can now safely say that I feel like an adult! I have a sourdough starter baby that I regularly make pizza dough and crackers from, and I have helped to put on Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. I’ve been at this job for over 2 and a half years, and my savings have gone from zero to half my income. I often feel like I am the mother of 667 Fell St. Oh, and I also turned 30 this year (which would probably have been a cornerstone of this reflection in a normal year, but is just an afterthought in this one).

I think another shared experience a portion of society has had is the self-reflection on whether or not we are happy with what we are doing in our lives. With all the social opportunities taken away, everyone fortunate enough to maintain their jobs has had their work be the focal activity of the year. And for those of us dissatisfied with our jobs, the lack of distractions outside of work to sustain us has made it clear that this is not a path to continue down further. The stress of the constant billable time to the 15-minute increment, the energy drain of the monotonous work, the emptiness of feeling like your life and time and potential is being wasted on work that has no meaning. It’s not enough to sustain me. While this isn’t blatantly a positive thought, I think it’s a clarity that will lead to a positive outcome in the long run. I don’t have the time and energy to do the things I enjoy with my current job, and I don’t have an interest in building on the skills this job requires. I want to support communities and people more directly, and I want to have creativity and writing play a larger role in the work I do. Where to go from here, I’m not sure, but I don’t want to waste another year not pursuing those opportunities.

Similarly, I can say that I have shared what has been a difficult but important life experience with my partner this year. And, despite both of us sharing the same living space and working at the same job together—which amounts to spending almost 24/7 together—we are still doing well. We aren’t in the happiest place given all that’s going on in the world and dissatisfaction with our jobs. But I’ve seen that we can share in difficult times together and still find ways to maintain a sense of fun and love. I certainly did not plan on living with a partner less than one year into a relationship, but the times have pushed us to accelerate things and we stayed strong through it. It was fun getting to know Berkeley—the neighborhoods and the trails. Stewart and I also shared in coastal foraging and fishing excursions, squeezed in a beautiful backpacking trip to Kennedy Lake (where Stewart even carried my backpack for me when I had some sort of elevation sickness), went on a roadtrip through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona to visit Barb and David, and even bought a boat and went boat-in camping at Tomales Bay. While I didn’t add new countries to the list of places I’ve been, I did manage to add national parks and forests like Stanislaus, Arches, Zion, and Death Valley.

Other perks of the year have been not having to waste time commuting to work, and therefore spending most of the year not having to wake up to an alarm. It was also nice sharing this bonding experience with my roommates, who I’m very grateful to have found in 2019. I also joined in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group at WRA and was able to be a judge for a middle school science competition, which brought me a lot of joy and inspiration to find similar work to do full time. Lastly, Biden thankfully won the presidential election. It was as if I had been holding my breath for four years and finally, when it seemed like even a contested result wouldn’t undo the margin that Biden had won by, all that tension came pouring out. Stewart and I pulled over in the car on our way to do some fishing as the results flashed on our phones and celebrated. I can’t imagine how hopeless it would have felt stepping into 2021 knowing we had another four years of the Trump administration.

I also want to note some things I meant to do but didn’t (and to say that it’s okay that I didn’t do them, because 2020 was not an easy year, and we all had to learn to be patient with ourselves throughout it). I’d stopped taking vocal classes with the intention of doing dance classes, but then never did because of Covid (the disclaimer, I’m currently signed up for a month-long class this January). Stewart bought me a keyboard, but I barely played it. I planned on quitting my job but, albeit for reasonable concerns about the economy and job market, never left it. There was video footage that I never edited and interview ideas that I didn’t get around to doing. I didn’t start building a communications body of work. I was never able to maintain good exercise habits. I didn’t finish and post my 2018 and 2019 reflections.

But you see, what I’ve realized is that when you’re not happy, it’s hard to do all the things you want to. I’m grateful that I even had a job, I’m grateful I genuinely like the people I was quarantined with, and I’m grateful for the money I was able to save during this past year. But it was a hard year and an unsatisfying year professionally. My hope for the coming year is that the clarity gained in what type of job I don’t want, and the financial buffer I now have, will allow me to transition to something more sustainable in the coming year. Something more fulfilling and more enjoyable. It’s the big ask, I know, to find a job that you also love. But I’m narrowed in on environmental communications or education, and I think one of the two will pan out.

So I’m going to continue to be patient and forgiving with myself in these trying times, but hopefully this past year will be a year I can always draw from. When I’m making an excuse to call my mom later, that I remember how scared I was when she got on the plane to the Big Island and thought she truly might be taken away from me, and then decide to call. When I’m choosing jobs, that I remember how the way you feel about the work you do seeps into all other aspects of your life, and that I choose passion over stability. I hope 2020 will always serve to remind me to be grateful.

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boylesharon · 4 years ago

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Cat Peeing Where I Sleep Prodigious Unique Ideas

As with most cat behavior and because of the Christmas season.Of course, if you are teaching your feline and charges off after it, particularly if he is on instinct, does something it shouldn't be used to it.Just like humans, our feline friends to walk from room to check for foul odours or debris; you can stop cats from returning to the furniture, you can buy your kitten grows into an ungainly pile of the smell.The length of the mature cats where at a silent spray pump that doesn't scare your cat sprays due to a place they have eaten.

Dogs should be able to monitor the kitty and give their adorable pet some food rewards can also use a citrus spray.You may also be enjoying a much better and will often adopt these when faced with two child safety gates staked on top of your cat's shoulder blades as this will only strengthen the cats do what you buy catnip make sure to read my more advanced cat training will be out of it on horizontal or flat surfaces, e.g. the ground for him to the next.The owner only has to know the basics regarding cat care.Listerine Mouthwash - A number of sources including certain allergens that are applied as soon as they wanted.Use a metal comb and a couple of drops that you could buy an actual catnip plant and a pet is expected to refrain from such activity, except when he scratches.

You need to wear a collar with an admixture of 1/3 cupful of white vinegar and half tap water.Any animal can leave for up to you, the punishment has to dispose of it.There are lightweight, vinyl nail caps for the cats are less likely than indoor cats who have passed by for something else, like changing the strong ammonia-like odor.If you live alone and are available over the spot again!Kittens, like puppies, experience pain when teething and will think that you take them to sit, stay, give you an older couple?

He eventually realised through the screen.Force the clean water and wrap them in a RushIt's often assumed that cats are free from these plants.Almost as soon as he's old enough to tackle urine stains and odor.Kittens need to know that cats do not like the night time better than than day.

Either way, they need somewhere suitable and secure.Fleas will make him learn which of the kitty liter.What is cat spaying or neutering your female cat will not suffice.* Contact your local garden center or indoor gymnasium out of the litterbox.* Neutered cats will spray, however some are more obvious signs, such as who and what isn't.

The most common signs and causes for the cat is behaving badly following an environmental change then it's important to apply them on the back door, an inch of water can get in trouble around the house and a bit stinky and your cat treats inside your home of fleas whilst to others they cause intense irritation.If they start using your home for some reason.They have a problem for any unusual way, drink much more environmentally friendly and less needy than dogs, or any drugstore.Your vet may recommend a little catnip spread on it to stay.To be effective, your flea problem, and ultimately leading you to always keep in mind that they really like.

So, to recap, the first couple of times will discourage all but impossible to stop your cat home, you should tolerate the action.Dental disease affects the teeth to combat cat bad breath and any other animal.Odor neutralizing litters or sprays on carpets, to spraying, to not scratch furniture can be a pet clinic and let him out.Your pet will be comforting to your advantage.Using commercial or natural repellents, cat-deterring plants, fencing, sprinklers, and bristly mulch are just some of them is really in her first cycle to decrease the dog and cat litter.

And that's just a top cat behavior problems, hitting may well cause more. A scratching post to be obedient to you who may be at least take a towel and then sprinkle area liberally with lemon or vinegar essence or sweet perfume that you will have a cat of its attacking mode.However, you can continue for some time, then you can hire a professional groomer and have it - praise kitty and give you the owner and for the removal of fresh water.You should do when kitty jumps up should send her scampering.Your curious kitty will be less inclined to climb trees and to not buy garbage bags themselves should be relatively shallow and the carrier the first thing you need to fully understand your cat's needs.

If My Male Cat Is Fixed Can He Still Spray

These were things they could ask to know all the soiled areas thoroughly.You should do this behavior is to clean it.For making sure the box and you may not even the most frustrating parts of the house anyway.And if you have to gorge to get rid of the plant as well.Subsequently she can get in and allow them to adjust to its breed.

Every day, take off the garage, where I was.They instincts to stalk prey and feed themselves in the first few weeks of age.First, you need to immediately clean up any hairballs.It is enough to have the oddest smelling litter in it a good location for the weaker cat involved to escape when it comes to stopping cats from fighting If the preceding method fails to eliminate outside the box with cat urinating issues, make sure that you can squirt some water to drink it, and it gets together with the dish inside the house.

You can even win a fight or act aggressive, one of the plants you wish to avoid.It's a ground breaking cat training requires understanding, patience and becomes swollen, it is cute!New dog in an easily accessible in the wild instincts necessary for cats.We allowed them to spray everything in their way: allergies.Exceptional cases do arise, but in any corner of each toe, and as any amputee can tell you that it is still better to maintain its claws in good health.

Few ideas to deal with the flea problem and that the bottle in your home can help to quickly and must be able to mark their territory with cat behavior:Place wide strips of cardboard can quickly turn into excess watering of the room that you can reverse kidney disease can cause insecurity and a long-term basis.If your cat builds a secure bond with your mix in the house is free of claw marks from your home will determine which vaccinations your cat up after them.You should do a trip to the scratching post may seem disinterested in learning the indicators are inconspicuous or in addition to giving a visual mark and scent.If it has been an outdoors cat all their own.

Soapy chemicals do nothing more than a friend or friends use the litter box.Kittens offend grasp a toy in play and you'll need to be repeated intermittently or administered continuously.If your cat burn off excess energy before you go out, be aware of your pet a good way to help control the problem.We are asking a lot of these pests will make your room tidy, and less anxious.We didn't know how to make one of the temporary barrier.

Why does my cat urinate outside their litter box.This kills germs that cause cat bad breath that contains sulfur compounds into the fabric.The urine will be easy to find his or her a treat, and your cat.After the female cats may require a great lifesaver for the fear of cat scratch furniture on the wrist.These cat stress and damage to furniture and baseboards.

Cat Peeing Problem

Used daily, a supplement will support bladder health by keeping its hair neatly combed and wash, and trimmed periodically.At what height does your cat health by keeping these animals and using the litter and replace a soiled scoop with a towel only exposing their head.You can if you obey him or her territory especially if you decides to suddenly start biting your toes.We used the cat connects the discomfort of being wet with the urine smell, keep your cat may seem disinterested in learning the basics regarding cat care.You may rub catnip all over the cat's overall health care, you can always bring you the owner is under perceived stress because of the cat shows signs of being sleek and glossy, and is marking his territory.

That's right, get a chance that my being unable to use litter tray and the floor itself.When you're done rinsing, dry your cat sick.Masking tape should be dark for the two slowly to each other.Genetics can play around and stopping urine marking is because you are supervising him at all hours of extra time with it, it does something that should detangle the fur.Here is the most difficult to scoop fish out a bit.

#Cat Peeing Where I Sleep Prodigious Unique Ideas #What Does It Look Like When A Female Cat Sprays

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ntrending · 6 years ago

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Rabid animals don't always foam at the mouth—here's what to look out for instead

New Post has been published on https://nexcraft.co/rabid-animals-dont-always-foam-at-the-mouth-heres-what-to-look-out-for-instead/

Rabid animals don't always foam at the mouth—here's what to look out for instead

Last week New York City’s Department of Health alerted residents of six confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons living in and around Inwood Hill Park in upper Manhattan. According to local news reports, the animals that tested positive for the virus weren’t foaming at the mouth, acting aggressive, or otherwise displaying stereotypical rabies symptoms. The raccoons just looked “really sick.”. It’s a good reminder that knowing what to look for—and what to do if you see it—is key in protecting yourself and your pets from the rabies virus.

What is rabies?

The rabies virus—rabies lyssavirus—is what’s called a zoonotic disease, which means that it can be transmitted to humans by other animals (and vice versa). Rabies spreads via saliva (and technically, but far more rarely, through cerebrospinal fluid) much like the common cold or flu. Once inside an animal host, the virus travels through nerve cells until it hits the central nervous system and the brain, causing swelling and inflammation (known as encephalitis) which often proves deadly.

What animals usually carry it?

The disease affects animals all over the world. In fact, it’s been found in every continent except for Antarctica. In some areas, including the United States, certain pockets of animals act as “viral reservoirs,” where the disease is consistently active. In the U.S., those animals include raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. These animals make up the majority of rabies cases in the United States.

However, the most common way, by far, that humans get the disease is from dogs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the U.S., 99 percent of human cases that turn deadly come from dogs. This is likely because dogs act as a go-between; most of us are unlikely to encounter a rabid skunk, but our pets might be a little less careful when running around in the park. Once they’re infected, domesticated dogs come into contact with far more people than wild animals do.

What are the signs and symptoms in animals?

Despite what famous scenes in classics like To Kill A Mockingbird (where Atticus uses his “one-shot Finch” skills to put down a “mad dog”) might suggest, not all animals infected with rabies show symptoms of anger, aggression, and irritability. Many animals simply act sick and lethargic, while others might simply drool and act more tame than they usually would. Often an animal infected with rabies is simply less nervous around humans, which can lead to either aggression or docility, depending on the creature. If you see an animal that is not acting as it normally would—a squirrel that wants to hang out with you instead of running away, or a beloved family pet that’s drooling and calm instead of their usual perky self—don’t approach it. Stay as far away as you can and call animal control.

What about humans?

Human rabies infections are incredibly rare in the United States. This past January, a woman from Virginia contracted rabies from a dog bite during a trip to India, and ultimately died, which was only the tenth known human death in the U.S. due to rabies in the past decade. However, worldwide, the infectious disease kills more than 55,000 people, according to the CDC, mostly in Africa and Asia, where access to the vaccine is scarce.

If a human gets infected, the first few symptoms are similar to the flu: aches, general weakness, a fever, and headaches. As the disease progresses throughout the spinal fluid and brain throughout the next several days, however, symptoms become far more severe. They can include agitation, confusion, and hallucinations.

However, it’s important to repeat that the disease in incredibly rare in humans in the United States. And while it’s hard to prevent the disease from spreading among wild animals, effective vaccines exist that prevent outbreaks in domesticated animals, like dogs and cats. If you have these animals, regular visits to your veterinarian will help ensure that their vaccines for rabies are up-to-date.

What should I do if I’ve been bitten by a dog that might have rabies?

First, wash the area with soap and water. The rabies virus doesn’t stay alive for long after it’s outside its host. For example, as soon as saliva dries up, the virus dies with it, and it can be easily killed by soap, a detergent, or bleach.

But if you think there’s a chance you’ve been infected, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Effective medications exist, called post-exposure prophylaxis, which include a series of vaccines and other medications, but doctors or other medical professionals must administer them immediately after exposure.

What if I think my dog has been bitten by an animal with rabies?

Call your veterinarian.

If the animal that bit your dog has been captured and tested by animal control, those results will help inform your vet’s decisions. If the animal tested positive for rabies, and your dog has been vaccinated, your pet will likely get a booster shot and stay under observation or confinement for a period of time.

Your veterinarian or local animal control center will know what to do, but remember: Rabies is nothing to mess around with. If there’s any chance your pet could have been infected it’s important to seek help right away.

Can I get rabies from handling a dog that might have been exposed to rabies?

The rabies virus needs to find its way to an open wound or your mucus membranes in order to infect your body. However, if you think there’s a chance you were infected, contacting your doctor or seeking medical attention is crucial.

Written By Claire Maldarelli

#Animals

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wewithus · 8 years ago

Link

The Five Minutes for Freedom series is a collection of small, step-by-step walkthroughs designed to help you take concrete political action in support of the principles of We With Us. The articles in the series are designed to be read and their steps followed in order, as later posts frequently build on earlier ones. A chronological index of all posts in the series can be found here. While this information is targeted primarily at US readers, we welcome readers from all countries and encourage you to adapt these strategies as necessary for your jurisdiction.

5M4F 12: Update Your Rolodex (Round 2) and Protest by Phone (Round 3) [Trump, Carson, Puzder, Perry, and the abortion ban] Dependencies: 5M4F10.

Much like last week, most of your 5M4F tasks this week will be to script, and then make, calls to your representatives to ask them to rigorously vet and ultimately reject the confirmation of Trump’s most dangerous cabinet and White House appointments, to protest those appointments after the fact, and/or to object to top-level legislative priorities of the incoming administration. But first, add this line to the other contact information for your representatives in your 5M4F document:

Donald Trump is now your president. That means that he is now answerable to you. You can very quickly start making him answerable to you by signing this WeThePeople petition to divest of his business interests or put them in a blind trust; and this WeThePeople petition to release his tax returns and any other information necessary to confirm that he is not in violation of the emoluments of the Constitution.

Once that’s done...

All three of the appointments you’ll be protesting this week are cabinet appointments and require Senate approval: Ben Carson, Andy Puzder, and Rick Perry (nominated for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Labor, and Secretary of Energy, respectively). Your voice is also urgently needed to halt the enactment of a draconian abortion ban that threatens the rights and lives of womb-possessing people throughout the country.

Like last week: write yourself a script that you can use to walk you through your calls to your representatives (there is an in-depth breakdown of this process in 5M4F5, which is also excerpted behind the cut), then give your local field offices a series of calls to protest these appointments. To be most effective, you want to only call your representatives about one issue at a time, so you will need to make multiple calls throughout the week to best keep your calls focused and to the point.

I also strongly urge you to share this information with your friends and family offline and encourage them to join you in making calls with you. Our goal should be to keep the phones ringing at every field office in the country, all week long, demanding that our elected representatives do their jobs, i.e., represent us.

If you want to do this all in one go: unfortunately, these can’t be completely finished all in one go, because of the issue of keeping individual calls focused on a single issue. But what you can do is script all your calls together (that you can do today, and it’s basically a copy-paste job, so it shouldn’t be too onerous), then make your three calls about Carson in one block on Monday, your three calls about Puzder in one block on Tuesday, et cetera.

If you want to do this five minutes at a time: easier! Your three scripts for a single appointee will probably only take you about five minutes to assemble, and one call will probably take about five minutes to make. You can sprinkle your scripting throughout the day today, and sprinkle your calls throughout your field offices’ business hours during the week; or script your calls about Carson today, then call about Carson and script for Puzder Tuesday; whatever.

There is some starter info on each of the four nominees/appointees/issues, with reasons to call about them, behind the cut; as well as a template for your scripts, and some info about what to do if you can’t make calls. Shortcut links:

Ben Carson.

Andy Puzder.

Rick Perry.

Abortion rights.

A note on how to protest amid breaking news.

How to write your scripts.

What to do if you can’t make calls.

Once you've made your calls, check in on this week's poll to let your fellow humans know you've got their backs!

Ben Carson (nominated for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development): The most fundamental reason to oppose Ben Carson as Secretary of HUD is that he opposes efforts to end housing segregation. Housing segregation remains rampant in the US in large part due to racist governmental actions that themselves have ended, but the lasting effects of formal governmental racism in the past today mean that people of color are more likely than whites to live in areas without easy access to fresh, healthy food, are often more vulnerable to housing market instability and were on the whole hit harder by the crash, are more likely than whites to be zoned into de facto (previously de jure) segregated and underperforming schools, are set up for more frequent and more-likely-to-be-violent encounters with the police, and are harmed and held back on countless more metrics:

"[On] every measure of well-being and opportunity, the foundation is where you live," Nikole Hannah-Jones, the ProPublica reporter on whose reporting much of the episode was based, told TAL's Nancy Updike. "Cancer rates, asthma rates, infant mortality, unemployment, education, access to fresh food, access to parks, whether or not the city repairs the roads in your neighborhood."

[source]

Housing discrimination and the end of urban segregation needs to be at the top of HUD’s priority list. Ben Carson thinks that’s a bad idea.

Andy Puzder (nominated for Secretary of Labor): Puzder is an anti-regulation fast food executive whose employees face wage theft and a bananas 2 in 3 rate of sexual harassment, if they’re women; who opposes the new overtime rule and thinks robust worker protections constitute a “nanny state.” He is, just in case you’re curious, anti-abortion and anti-bathroom protections for trans people, but he does find it in his heart to support scantily clad women sexily eating burgers on TV. He is being nominated to run the department in charge of penalizing companies for breaking minimum wage laws and defending worker rights and safety. He thinks all of that is a bad idea.

Rick Perry (nominated for Secretary of Energy): There’s a misconception out there that the Department of Energy is responsible for handling things like the power grid; for the most part, it isn’t (it does do some stuff related to the grid, including securing it against cyberattacks, but a lot of the power-related stuff falls under the purview of the Department of the Interior). However, the Department of Energy is responsible for managing the US’s nuclear weapons and the security thereof, which I, personally, think is pretty fucking important. Rick Perry doesn’t know what the Department of Energy is called, but he is on record pledging to abolish it.

Oops.

Abortion Rights: A bill has been introduced in the house to make abortion illegal as soon as a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can happen as early as 6 weeks, when many women do not yet know they are pregnant. I want to be really clear about this: what I am about to say here in this post is an argument for abortion rights that specifically approaches this issue from a human rights perspective; it’s very, very far from the only reason why abortion should remain legal. However, this is the reason why if you want to defend the rights of your fellow humans, you must protest anti-choice legislation, no matter how you feel about abortion on a personal level: if abortion is made illegal, rich people facing an unwanted pregnancy will go to Canada or the UK or Japan or any other country where they can still get safe, legal abortions, and they will live. Poor people facing an unwanted pregnancy will have dangerous, illegal, unsupervised abortions, and they will die. Want proof? OKAY:

In 1930, abortion was listed as the official cause of death for almost 2,700 women—nearly one-fifth (18%) of maternal deaths recorded in that year . . . . By 1965, the number of deaths due to illegal abortion had fallen to just under 200, but illegal abortion still accounted for 17% of all deaths attributed to pregnancy and childbirth that year. And these are just the number that were officially reported; the actual number was likely much higher . . . . Poor women and their families were disproportionately impacted . . . . Of the low-income women in that study who said they had had an abortion, eight in 10 (77%) said that they had attempted a self-induced procedure, with only 2% saying that a physician had been involved in any way . . . . A clear racial disparity is evident in the data of mortality because of illegal abortion: In New York City in the early 1960s, one in four childbirth-related deaths among white women was due to abortion; in comparison, abortion accounted for one in two childbirth-related deaths among nonwhite and Puerto Rican women . . . . In the late 1960s, an alternative to obtaining committee approval emerged for women seeking a legal abortion, but once again, only for those with considerable financial resources. In 1967, England liberalized its abortion law to permit any woman to have an abortion with the written consent of two physicians. More than 600 American women made the trip to the United Kingdom during the last three months of 1969 alone; by 1970, package deals (including round-trip airfare, passports, vaccination, transportation to and from the airport and lodging and meals for four days, in addition to the procedure itself) were advertised in the popular media.

[source]

You cannot force someone to carry a fetus to term inside their bodies. I’m not saying you shouldn’t; I’m saying you can’t:

Estimates of the number of illegal abortions in the 1950s and 1960s ranged from 200,000 to 1.2 million per year. One analysis, extrapolating from data from North Carolina, concluded that an estimated 829,000 illegal or self-induced abortions occurred in 1967.

[source, same as above]

I’m telling you, it was really an awful situation. It touched me because I’d see young, [otherwise] healthy women in their 20s die from the consequences of an infected nonsterile abortion. Women would do anything to get rid of unwanted pregnancies. They’d risk their lives. It was a different world, I’ll tell you.

[source]

Women came to me mostly from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, but also from all parts of the country. It very quickly became apparent that there were too many women — I could not possibly see all of them. My primary care practice disappeared, and I ended up providing abortions full-time. And there was no way there were enough hours in the day.

[source]

The decades before Roe v. Wade were the bad ol’ days. It was horrible carnage — and every one of those deaths was preventable. These women weren’t dying of exotic diseases. They were dying of simple things like hemorrhage and infection, and any third-year medical student with adequate equipment could’ve easily handled it. But the reason those women were dying is because the country had not yet made the decision that these women’s lives are worth saving.

[source, same as above]

Abortion access is a human rights issue. Make sure your legislators know that.

A note on protesting amid breaking news: Because I’m drafting most of this several days before it’ll go live, and because I can’t know when, precisely, you’ll actually make your individual calls, the exact nature of how you protest these appointments and laws may need to change a little bit based on how far the confirmation/legislative process has got by the time you’re calling.

So. If the nominee you’re calling about is still undergoing confirmation hearings, then encourage your senators to rigorously question the nominee on issues critical to protecting the rights of your fellow humans. If the confirmation hearings for that nominee are finished, focus instead on encouraging your senators to vote against the nominee’s confirmation. If the confirmation has already gone through, either thank or criticize your senator’s vote, depending on which way they voted; and in any case make it clear to them that you continue to watch their voting behavior to see whether or not they will have your vote in 2018 (or 2020, or 2022--again, it’s worth also taking a second to check when your particular senators will next come up for re-election. Senators up for re-election in 2018 are listed here. Senators up for re-election in 2020 are listed here. Senators up for re-election in 2022 are listed here.).

Similarly, when you’re calling about legislative priorities, depending on what has happened around that legislative issue since this post went live, you will either be urging your representatives to vote a particular way; or be thanking or criticizing their vote, depending on which way they voted, and making it clear to them that you continue to watch their voting behavior to see whether or not they will have your vote in 2018 (or 2020, or 2022).

Also, when you call your congressperson in the House about Cabinet appointments, since the House doesn’t vote on Cabinet appointments, just encourage your House representative to go on-record as opposing the nomination. The goal here is to make a lot of noise, and also to try and muster the political left to come together and resist the incoming administration with full-throated determination and conviction.

Anyway, to handle how fast this is moving, I recommend that you plan on searching a reputable news source, like The Guardian, shortly before you make your calls, for any breaking-news updates on the confirmation process that may require you to tweak your scripts.

How to Write Your Scripts (excerpted from 5M4F-5):

The basic phone script for calling your representatives goes something like so:

Hi, {can I ask who I’m speaking to? <, if they don’t say when they pick up>} [Jot their name down.] Hi, <their name>. My name is <your name> and I’m one of <your representative’s name>’s constituents in <where you live>. I wanted to let <your representative’s name> know that I strongly <support | oppose> <the thing you’re calling about>, because <succinct explanation of reason why you’re calling>. Is <your representative’s name> planning to <do the thing you want>?

Then you have to plan for a few different responses:

They’re with you: Thank you. Could you please let <appropriate pronoun> know that <expression of gratitude> and <indication that you will continue to watch your representative’s behavior and hold them accountable>?

They’re neutral: This subject is very important to me because <longer, more in-depth and emotive reason why you’re calling>. I would very much appreciate it if you could let <your representative’s name> know that I feel very strongly about this and would really encourage <appropriate pronoun> to <do the thing you want>. Is there any way I could follow up with you or <appropriate pronoun> later?

They oppose you: This subject is very important to me because <longer, more in-depth and emotive reason why you’re calling>. Can I ask why <your representative’s name> is <not doing the thing you want>? [Let them give you a reason, and write it down.] Okay, thank you. I understand <appropriate pronoun> concerns, but as one of <your representative’s name>’s voting constituents, I would really appreciate it if <appropriate pronoun> revisited <appropriate pronoun> decision because <alternate succinct explanation of reason why you’re calling>. Is there any way I could follow up with you or <appropriate pronoun> later?

<expression of gratitude>! <polite send-off>!

I want to point out that you probably don’t actually really need to plan for all of these responses. You can probably make a pretty good guess where your representative stands based on their party affiliation. However, especially if your representatives are moderates and often vote across the aisle, it’s not a bad idea to spend a little time planning for all three cases, because then your behind is covered, and you can recycle this language over and over on later calls, to different representatives. And yes: we will be calling other representatives.

This is the sample script that I wrote back in November, on a different issue and to Barbara Boxer, who has been replaced by Kamala Harris, but it gives you an idea how the Mad-Libs-filling process works:

Hi, {can I ask who I’m speaking to? <, if they don’t say when they pick up>} [Jot their name down.] Hi, <their name>. My name is <Ginny Washington>, and I’m one of <Senator Boxer>’s constituents in <West Hollywood>. I wanted to let <Senator Boxer> know that I strongly <support> <her resolution to amend the Constitution to eliminate the Electoral College>, because <I think every American’s vote should count equally>. {I just wanted to thank her for all her hard work on behalf of the principles of equal representation and equal protection under the law.}

<Thank you so much for your time>! <Have a nice day>!

If you can’t make calls: I recommended before that if you can’t make calls, you copy down snail mail addresses so you can send snail mail letters, and that you grab an email address or online contact link no matter what. Calls are the most effective, if you can make them, but please, do send snail mail letters if you can’t, or an email if you also can’t swing a stamp or get to a post office. You can use the script above as a template for your letter, but you’re probably going to want to default to assuming that your representative opposes you, and you’ll have to of course make it sound like a letter and not a phone convo.

If you care about correct forms of address: weirdly, because these things are super arcane, technically the correct way to address your senator or representative is still “The Honorable <whoever>”, as in, “The Honorable Barbara Boxer.” That goes on the envelope. You can then write “Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. <whoever>” as your salutation.

#we with us #5m4f #five minutes for freedom #oppose ben carson #oppose andy puzder #oppose rick perry #save abortion rights

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jakehglover · 6 years ago

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How to End the Autism Epidemic

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By Dr. Mercola

In this interview, J.B. Handley, founder of Generation Rescue, discusses autism and what he believes can be done to help turn this tragic trend around. This is also the topic of his book, "How to End the Autism Epidemic."

A Parent's Worst Nightmare

Handley's son has autism, and his personal experience ultimately motivated him to write this book. He describes the family's experience, and what led them to take a nonconventional approach to their son's treatment:

"My wife and I were what I would characterize as very mainstream parents, which meant that when our second son was born in 2002, we basically handed him to our pediatrician and did whatever he told us to do, which meant following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommended [vaccine] schedule.

We started to watch our son decline physically after every vaccine appointment at 2 months, at 4 months, at 6 months and at 12 months. He got eczema. His belly became distended. He had sleep disturbances. He had dark circles under his eyes. We kept going back into the doctor and saying, 'What's going on? What's happening with him? Where is this coming from?'

We could never get a plausible explanation for what was happening. Then, shortly after my son turned 1 year old, he started to decline neurologically. He lost his words. He lost many of his normal mannerisms. He started doing these really unusual behaviors.

He started craving certain foods — all these things that somebody like you knows are red flags for a child heading towards autism. But at the time, we were ignorant to this and our pediatrician didn't help us at all.

We were living in Northern California. We took our son to University of California San Francisco (UCSF) where they diagnosed him with severe autism. At the same time, we visited a Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) doctor in Pleasanton … Dr. Lynne Mielke.

We were presented with two completely different worlds. At UCSF, autism was genetic. It was lifelong. He was likely to be institutionalized. There was nothing we could do about it, except to prepare ourselves.

But in Pleasanton, thirty miles away, autism was triggered by vaccines. It was an environmental illness. If you vetted the diet and started to do things differently, some of these children recovered completely. Here's my wife and I, both educated at Stanford, both very mainstream, and we're put at these crossroads for what to do for our son …

In our case, we went to the facts. We went to the reality of how our son had declined after being on a normal path of development. We ultimately made a decision that we did believe that the vaccines triggered our son's autism. We did believe that biomedical interventions could work for him.

That opened a whole new door to us. Soon after that, in '05, my wife and I founded Generation Rescue. The reason that we founded it was to share the information that we had learned with other parents. That's where our journey began."

Recovery Is Possible

Today, Handley's son is 16, and has made dramatic improvement through biomedical intervention. He regained his speech, learned to read, and can go on long family trips without incident.

Still, he continues to be affected by autism, and this is a reality for many parents. While some children are able to make a complete recovery, others do not. Most, however, can make improvements. Even at 16, Handley's son continues to improve, and new biomedical interventions are becoming available. Prevention is key, though, and making vaccination decisions are an important part of that.

"I think, in many ways, that the jury is in on this. My book is bolstered by the fact that two of the titans of the mainstream autism medical community have changed their tune through depositions, and now support the things that parents have been saying for decades.

I think that those two scientists [Dr. Andrew Zimmerman and Dr. Richard Kelley], who people don't know about, and the way they've changed their tune are going to have a dramatic impact on this debate.

We're talking about scientists from the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University, arguably the pre-eminent institution in the country focused on autism, who are saying exactly what parents are saying — that in a vulnerable subset of children, vaccines are, in fact, the trigger of autism."

Autism Triggers Are Pernicious

Like Handley, I believe vaccines can play a role in autism, although it's certainly not the sole factor or trigger. In the last half of the 20th century, not only has the vaccine schedule grown, with many vaccines being added, but our food supply has also been inundated with glyphosate, and there's been a radical increase in the exposure to electromagnetic fields.

All three of these factors are pernicious, and there's evidence showing all three can play a role in autism development. Heavy metal exposure is another factor.1 That said, the connection between autism and the introduction of vaccines in many children is quite clear.

"The interesting science that's come about since the mid-2000s and beyond concerns this notion of an immune activation event in the brain of a child. We believe that immune activation events are actually what causes autism. The question is, 'What's the trigger for those immune activation events?' because there could be a myriad of triggers.

In the emerging science, which has largely been developed in other countries, it shows us how aluminum, specifically — aluminum, which the whole purpose of it being in a vaccine is to hyperstimulate the immune system — in certain vulnerable kids, can create a persistent immune activation event, sort of a simmering inflammatory event in the brain.

That simmering inflammatory event, if it happens during critical phases of brain development, can cause a child to head into autism. Those analysis models, unlike the epidemiology the CDC did that was not that helpful trying to discern causation, most analysis models are showing us, with some very specific data about the brain, just how a vaccine can trigger an immune activation event that then leads to autism," Handley says.

Aluminum Hyperstimulates the Immune System

Aluminum is a known neurotoxin, and in vaccines, the aluminum is in a nanoparticulate form, which when injected makes it all the more problematic. When injected, macrophages, which are part of your immune response, are sent to the injection site, where they gobble up some of that aluminum.

"The [macrophages] grab the aluminum that they don't know what to do with. Some portions of those macrophages end up in the brain. They sit there, and it's called biopersistence. The aluminum just sits in the brain and the body doesn't know how to get it out," Handley says.

There's also evidence that aluminum exposure may be, at least in part, responsible for the massive rise in autoimmunity among children as well. In short, the aluminum hyperstimulates the immune system, causing it to overreact to proteins that otherwise would not cause a reaction.

Vaccine Makers Are Not Liable for Harm

Today, children routinely receive 49 doses of 14 vaccines by age 6, and there are estimates that 1 in approximately 35 children develop autism. That's nearly 3 percent of the U.S. population. In 1985, children received 23 doses of seven vaccines: diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), oral polio (OPV) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR).

The autism rate was also vastly lower. Depending on the data source, the autism rate in 1985 was between 1 in 5,000 or 1 in 10,000. In 1986, in large part due to the brain damage being caused by the DTP vaccine, the National Childhood Vaccination Injury Act (NCVIA) was passed, which partially indemnified vaccine makers from liability for CDC recommended vaccines for children.

Later, in 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court insulated vaccine manufacturers from all liability when someone is harmed or killed by a childhood vaccine.

"When you go to vaccine court in Washington D.C., the lawyers who are paid money to fight your claim are Department of Justice (DOJ) employees. The judge who's there to adjudicate your claim is a special master who has full control over the proceeding. You have no jury. You have no normal judicial process. That 1986 [law] ushered in a rapid introduction of many different vaccines.

Today, I would argue — and I do quite strongly in the book — we're simply giving too many vaccines for too many diseases that are not that dangerous. In return, we have this massive explosion in chronic disease. It's a trade. We're slightly reducing certain acute illnesses. We're having an explosion of many chronic illnesses.

I think the question for Americans and the question for parents is, 'Is it worth it? Is the reduction in disease worth the trade-off?' That's actually the conversation I wish we could have. We don't have a realistic risk-reward conversation. Vaccines are portrayed cartoonishly as offering you instant protection from whichever disease you get vaccinated for. The truth is more complicated than that."

Evaluate Risks Versus Rewards

Handley suggests that parents need to weigh the pros and cons, and ask themselves which health risks they're willing to take to protect their child against any given disease.

"Do I want [my child] to get a rotavirus vaccine if the risk is asthma? Do I want [them] to get a Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine if the risk is a lifetime of diabetes or some other autoimmunity and a much higher risk of autism?

By not acknowledging the very real risks of these vaccines, parents aren't in a position to make an informed decision about whether or not they're worth it for them," Handley says.

"I personally would support an immediate return to the 1985 schedule. Children were not dying in the streets. It wasn't the Dark Ages. We have to do something radical if we're going to change this chronic disease epidemic …

Autism, for a family, is devastating. I think one of the things that really frustrates me about this epidemic is the whitewashing of autism … The truth is most children with autism can't speak … [they] will never live alone … [they] will never have a job. Most children with autism require daily and hourly care [and] die early.

We can never look away from the severity of this epidemic or this disability for most of the children affected by it. It's because of the devastating nature of the disability that it puts such a strain on families.

My heart goes out to families that are lower income, work two jobs or they're struggling to make ends meet, and then autism gets dropped into their lives. It's simply devastating and untenable. We've got to do something about it."

Do Your Homework

One of the most questionable vaccines, in my view, is the hepatitis B vaccine, which is given on the day of birth. Not only does it contain aluminum, there's simply no real justification for administering it to all healthy newborns, as hepatitis B can only be contracted from IV drug abuse, sexual activity with an infected partner, a blood transfusion using contaminated blood, or from an infected mother.

It would be far more sensible to simply screen pregnant women for the disease, and only give the vaccine to infants whose mothers actually test positive for hepatitis B.

The Hib vaccine also contains aluminum, and it, too, is given very early on, the first dose usually administered at 2 months old. Handley points out that parents should do their own research and make an informed vaccination decision for their child.

"You need to gather data on each vaccine and decide for yourself, 'Is the risk-reward there for me?' If you do that research and you decide it's there for you, all the more power to you. This is a free country. I believe in medical freedom. I believe that everybody should use whatever intervention they think is appropriate for their child.

What I don't believe in is that a parent should walk into an office with a child who's 2 months old, having not done the research, hand your child over to the pediatrician and they stick the child with six vaccines and you can't name what any of them are. By the way, that's a mistake I made.

That's the message I try to send to other parents: 'Be way more informed. Be way more vigilant.' There are pediatricians in every market who are more open. Find those pediatricians and work with them. Focus on the health of your child, not on implementing the CDC's vaccine schedule.

Recognize that there are many pediatricians who are motivated by their insurance company to have really high vaccination rates. Because of that, they may not have your child's best interests at heart. They may have the bonus that they're getting from their insurance company at heart. That's really inappropriate but happens all the time …

I have is a singular motivation: to tell the truth and to save as many children as possible from the fate that befell my son … Guilt wrote this book, if you will. The two ways that I found to deal with that guilt is, one, to focus on my son in helping him get better, and, two, to warn as many parents as possible."

Vaccine Experts Call for Vulnerability Screening Prior to Vaccination

In depositions in a trial in Tennessee, Zimmerman and Kelley make it clear that children really should be screened before their first vaccine. If screening for individual susceptibilities were in fact done, many or most vulnerable children would be spared from being harmed by vaccines.

"They bring up specifically in their depositions things like the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation, a gene that can limit the ability of the body to detoxify," Handley says. "They bring up maternal autoimmunity history as a potential risk. Any signs of food allergies, any signs of other illnesses, obviously.

But there's this list of screens that you could do in advance that might save a meaningful portion of these children from harm. What's so frustrating about that is, in order for those screens to be put into place, there has to be an acknowledgment of causation."

The Lies Being Told

Handley spends an entire chapter tackling the mainstream notion that the science on vaccines is "settled;" that the studies have been done and no harm could be found. "It's simply a lie," Handley says. To be convinced, however, you may need to actually read through the studies yourself. If you do, you'll find the "evidence" that vaccines don't cause autism is based on a single vaccine, the MMR, and they only looked at a single ingredient, thimerosal.

"Anybody with the willingness to spend a little bit of time on this topic will grow disenchanted with the things they're saying because they're unsupportable. They're lies. They're propaganda. I find it deeply disturbing that our public health officials will lie that blatantly," Handley says.

"When you have people like Zimmerman and Kelley from Kennedy Krieger, who are now supporting what the parents are saying, I think the lie falls down even further. I think they're going to really have to answer to this book and explain why they're saying the things they're saying …

[Three] of the scientists who've done some of the most amazing work on aluminum, and how it biologically causes autism, wrote letters to [the CDC] … [saying]:

'Based on the work that I have done with aluminum, I think that the words on your website saying vaccines don't cause autism [aren't] true. I encourage you to look closer at the aluminum science that I'm including here in my letter. This is a devastating crisis that I think we have answers for.'

These are international renowned scientists writing to our CDC and saying that, 'The things you're representing to the public aren't true. You need to look at this topic again.' This is not parents versus the CDC. These are esteemed international scientists. These are clinicians from Kennedy Krieger …

The gig is up. The truth is there for anybody willing to look. I really hope that groups of people will come together and say, 'Enough is enough. Enough with the lies. There is 1 in 36 children [with autism]. It's unacceptable. We have a clear answer for at least the primary trigger of what's going on. We need to start saving children, moving those with great risks out of harm's way to help end the autism epidemic.'"

A major part of the problem is the fact that the CDC has been captured by the drug industry. Not only is the CDC in charge of implementing and promoting the vaccine program, it also holds dozens of vaccine patents,2,3 while simultaneously being in charge of vaccine safety and tracking autism rates!

Add to that the revolving door between the CDC and the vaccine industry — the transition of Julie Gerberding from being director of the CDC to being an official in Merck's vaccine division is one of the most egregious ones — and you have a situation in which the agency charged with safety simply will not lift a finger to fulfill that responsibility.

Join Us at Generation Rescue's Autism Education Summit

Handley cofounded Generation Rescue with his wife in 2005. Actress Jenny McCarthy is the president. The organization assists parents who want to initiate biomedical intervention for their autistic child, and hold an annual Autism Education Summit. This year, it's held September 28 through 30 in Dallas. I'm scheduled to be keynote speaker.

This summit is a wonderful opportunity for parents to hear what's new directly from the cutting-edge doctors who are treating children with autism biomedically.

You can also learn more in Handley's book, "How to End the Autism Epidemic," which includes depositions from Zimmerman and Kelley — two pre-eminent members of the Kennedy Krieger Institute, the leading autism institution in the country — in which they unequivocally state that vaccines are causing autism.

A third deposition covered in the book is by Dr. Stanley Plotkin, by many considered the godfather of the vaccine industry. Dr. Paul Offit brought him into Voices for Vaccines, a pharma front group, as an expert witness for a legal case in which a husband and wife were in disagreement as to whether or not to vaccinate their child.

"[Plotkin] sat through an eight-hour deposition [and] was destroyed by the opposing council. What was revealed was many of the tricks, false narratives and disturbing ways of thinking that people in the vaccine industry think through, because Plotkin was one of the thought leaders of that.

We learned everything from the fact that he tested vaccines on mentally retarded children — his words, not mine — babies in prisons and orphans. We learned the ugly history of vaccine trials.

But he clearly acknowledges that the DTP vaccine doesn't really work, and that the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine trials were in fact quite faulty, because they had no placebo group. They received an aluminum-containing vaccine … His conflicts of interest are also spelled out in detail.

He's literally making millions of dollars a year from vaccine makers, yet projects himself as this independent spokesperson for vaccines. He bailed on the trial the next morning after giving his deposition.

He refused to be an expert witness. Luckily, we were able to obtain that deposition in a public manner. It's not sealed. I think anybody who reads his words in that deposition will be blown away by how the, arguably, default leader in the vaccine industry actually thinks. It's very damning and very disturbing," Handley says.

More Information

Lastly, you can also follow Handley on his blog, JBHandleyBlog.com. Among his most recent articles is "Did Vaccines Save Humanity?" in which he reviews disease statistics and vaccine data to answer that question.

Between 1900 and today, there's been a massive decline in mortality, especially mortality from infectious diseases, and mandatory vaccination advocates are often quick to attribute that to the success of mass vaccination programs. However, scientists have identified a number of many other factors that contributed to lower mortality rates.

Things like improved standards of living, clean water, refrigeration, sewage, less crowded living quarters and so on have all contributed to fewer complications from infectious diseases. Importantly, the data show dramatic declines in mortality from infectious diseases occurred well before the introduction of vaccines against the disease in question. According to Handley:

"They estimate that vaccines' role in the overall decline in mortality from 1900 to today was somewhere between 1 and 3.5 percent of the total decline [in mortality] …

Facts are facts. Data is data. Anybody who tells you that billions of lives have been saved because of vaccines, or whatever number they try to use, or that it's the primary driver [of infectious disease reduction] is insane. Because the facts don't support them and say differently.

If you go to Africa, where they're still living in crowded conditions and still have horrible water, and they still don't have sanitation or refrigeration, and you vaccinate every kid, you might kill more children than you help because the other conditions haven't been bolstered.

We actually learned that through … a study4 by Dr. Peter Aaby, a renowned epidemiologist of vaccines. What he found is that in [Guinea-Bissau] … children who got the DTP vaccine were five times more likely to die than those who didn't.

The reason for that, as far as he could explain, was that it weakened their system so much that they were far more susceptible to other infections, because they were living in a highly infectious environment.

So, if you go after public health and you don't do it with totality, and you think vaccines are going to solve the problem, they're not going to solve the problem. There's no data that says they would."

from HealthyLife via Jake Glover on Inoreader http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/09/16/how-to-end-the-autism-epidemic.aspx

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sherristockman · 6 years ago

Link

How to End the Autism Epidemic Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola In this interview, J.B. Handley, founder of Generation Rescue, discusses autism and what he believes can be done to help turn this tragic trend around. This is also the topic of his book, "How to End the Autism Epidemic." A Parent's Worst Nightmare Handley's son has autism, and his personal experience ultimately motivated him to write this book. He describes the family's experience, and what led them to take a nonconventional approach to their son's treatment: "My wife and I were what I would characterize as very mainstream parents, which meant that when our second son was born in 2002, we basically handed him to our pediatrician and did whatever he told us to do, which meant following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommended [vaccine] schedule. We started to watch our son decline physically after every vaccine appointment at 2 months, at 4 months, at 6 months and at 12 months. He got eczema. His belly became distended. He had sleep disturbances. He had dark circles under his eyes. We kept going back into the doctor and saying, 'What's going on? What's happening with him? Where is this coming from?' We could never get a plausible explanation for what was happening. Then, shortly after my son turned 1 year old, he started to decline neurologically. He lost his words. He lost many of his normal mannerisms. He started doing these really unusual behaviors. He started craving certain foods — all these things that somebody like you knows are red flags for a child heading towards autism. But at the time, we were ignorant to this and our pediatrician didn't help us at all. We were living in Northern California. We took our son to University of California San Francisco (UCSF) where they diagnosed him with severe autism. At the same time, we visited a Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) doctor in Pleasanton … Dr. Lynne Mielke. We were presented with two completely different worlds. At UCSF, autism was genetic. It was lifelong. He was likely to be institutionalized. There was nothing we could do about it, except to prepare ourselves. But in Pleasanton, thirty miles away, autism was triggered by vaccines. It was an environmental illness. If you vetted the diet and started to do things differently, some of these children recovered completely. Here's my wife and I, both educated at Stanford, both very mainstream, and we're put at these crossroads for what to do for our son … In our case, we went to the facts. We went to the reality of how our son had declined after being on a normal path of development. We ultimately made a decision that we did believe that the vaccines triggered our son's autism. We did believe that biomedical interventions could work for him. That opened a whole new door to us. Soon after that, in '05, my wife and I founded Generation Rescue. The reason that we founded it was to share the information that we had learned with other parents. That's where our journey began." Recovery Is Possible Today, Handley's son is 16, and has made dramatic improvement through biomedical intervention. He regained his speech, learned to read, and can go on long family trips without incident. Still, he continues to be affected by autism, and this is a reality for many parents. While some children are able to make a complete recovery, others do not. Most, however, can make improvements. Even at 16, Handley's son continues to improve, and new biomedical interventions are becoming available. Prevention is key, though, and making vaccination decisions are an important part of that. "I think, in many ways, that the jury is in on this. My book is bolstered by the fact that two of the titans of the mainstream autism medical community have changed their tune through depositions, and now support the things that parents have been saying for decades. I think that those two scientists [Dr. Andrew Zimmerman and Dr. Richard Kelley], who people don't know about, and the way they've changed their tune are going to have a dramatic impact on this debate. We're talking about scientists from the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University, arguably the pre-eminent institution in the country focused on autism, who are saying exactly what parents are saying — that in a vulnerable subset of children, vaccines are, in fact, the trigger of autism." Autism Triggers Are Pernicious Like Handley, I believe vaccines can play a role in autism, although it's certainly not the sole factor or trigger. In the last half of the 20th century, not only has the vaccine schedule grown, with many vaccines being added, but our food supply has also been inundated with glyphosate, and there's been a radical increase in the exposure to electromagnetic fields. All three of these factors are pernicious, and there's evidence showing all three can play a role in autism development. Heavy metal exposure is another factor.1 That said, the connection between autism and the introduction of vaccines in many children is quite clear. "The interesting science that's come about since the mid-2000s and beyond concerns this notion of an immune activation event in the brain of a child. We believe that immune activation events are actually what causes autism. The question is, 'What's the trigger for those immune activation events?' because there could be a myriad of triggers. In the emerging science, which has largely been developed in other countries, it shows us how aluminum, specifically — aluminum, which the whole purpose of it being in a vaccine is to hyperstimulate the immune system — in certain vulnerable kids, can create a persistent immune activation event, sort of a simmering inflammatory event in the brain. That simmering inflammatory event, if it happens during critical phases of brain development, can cause a child to head into autism. Those analysis models, unlike the epidemiology the CDC did that was not that helpful trying to discern causation, most analysis models are showing us, with some very specific data about the brain, just how a vaccine can trigger an immune activation event that then leads to autism," Handley says. Aluminum Hyperstimulates the Immune System Aluminum is a known neurotoxin, and in vaccines, the aluminum is in a nanoparticulate form, which when injected makes it all the more problematic. When injected, macrophages, which are part of your immune response, are sent to the injection site, where they gobble up some of that aluminum. "The [macrophages] grab the aluminum that they don't know what to do with. Some portions of those macrophages end up in the brain. They sit there, and it's called biopersistence. The aluminum just sits in the brain and the body doesn't know how to get it out," Handley says. There's also evidence that aluminum exposure may be, at least in part, responsible for the massive rise in autoimmunity among children as well. In short, the aluminum hyperstimulates the immune system, causing it to overreact to proteins that otherwise would not cause a reaction. Vaccine Makers Are Not Liable for Harm Today, children routinely receive 49 doses of 14 vaccines by age 6, and there are estimates that 1 in approximately 35 children develop autism. That's nearly 3 percent of the U.S. population. In 1985, children received 23 doses of seven vaccines: diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), oral polio (OPV) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). The autism rate was also vastly lower. Depending on the data source, the autism rate in 1985 was between 1 in 5,000 or 1 in 10,000. In 1986, in large part due to the brain damage being caused by the DTP vaccine, the National Childhood Vaccination Injury Act (NCVIA) was passed, which partially indemnified vaccine makers from liability for CDC recommended vaccines for children. Later, in 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court insulated vaccine manufacturers from all liability when someone is harmed or killed by a childhood vaccine. "When you go to vaccine court in Washington D.C., the lawyers who are paid money to fight your claim are Department of Justice (DOJ) employees. The judge who's there to adjudicate your claim is a special master who has full control over the proceeding. You have no jury. You have no normal judicial process. That 1986 [law] ushered in a rapid introduction of many different vaccines. Today, I would argue — and I do quite strongly in the book — we're simply giving too many vaccines for too many diseases that are not that dangerous. In return, we have this massive explosion in chronic disease. It's a trade. We're slightly reducing certain acute illnesses. We're having an explosion of many chronic illnesses. I think the question for Americans and the question for parents is, 'Is it worth it? Is the reduction in disease worth the trade-off?' That's actually the conversation I wish we could have. We don't have a realistic risk-reward conversation. Vaccines are portrayed cartoonishly as offering you instant protection from whichever disease you get vaccinated for. The truth is more complicated than that." Evaluate Risks Versus Rewards Handley suggests that parents need to weigh the pros and cons, and ask themselves which health risks they're willing to take to protect their child against any given disease. "Do I want [my child] to get a rotavirus vaccine if the risk is asthma? Do I want [them] to get a Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine if the risk is a lifetime of diabetes or some other autoimmunity and a much higher risk of autism? By not acknowledging the very real risks of these vaccines, parents aren't in a position to make an informed decision about whether or not they're worth it for them," Handley says. "I personally would support an immediate return to the 1985 schedule. Children were not dying in the streets. It wasn't the Dark Ages. We have to do something radical if we're going to change this chronic disease epidemic … Autism, for a family, is devastating. I think one of the things that really frustrates me about this epidemic is the whitewashing of autism … The truth is most children with autism can't speak … [they] will never live alone … [they] will never have a job. Most children with autism require daily and hourly care [and] die early. We can never look away from the severity of this epidemic or this disability for most of the children affected by it. It's because of the devastating nature of the disability that it puts such a strain on families. My heart goes out to families that are lower income, work two jobs or they're struggling to make ends meet, and then autism gets dropped into their lives. It's simply devastating and untenable. We've got to do something about it." Do Your Homework One of the most questionable vaccines, in my view, is the hepatitis B vaccine, which is given on the day of birth. Not only does it contain aluminum, there's simply no real justification for administering it to all healthy newborns, as hepatitis B can only be contracted from IV drug abuse, sexual activity with an infected partner, a blood transfusion using contaminated blood, or from an infected mother. It would be far more sensible to simply screen pregnant women for the disease, and only give the vaccine to infants whose mothers actually test positive for hepatitis B. The Hib vaccine also contains aluminum, and it, too, is given very early on, the first dose usually administered at 2 months old. Handley points out that parents should do their own research and make an informed vaccination decision for their child. "You need to gather data on each vaccine and decide for yourself, 'Is the risk-reward there for me?' If you do that research and you decide it's there for you, all the more power to you. This is a free country. I believe in medical freedom. I believe that everybody should use whatever intervention they think is appropriate for their child. What I don't believe in is that a parent should walk into an office with a child who's 2 months old, having not done the research, hand your child over to the pediatrician and they stick the child with six vaccines and you can't name what any of them are. By the way, that's a mistake I made. That's the message I try to send to other parents: 'Be way more informed. Be way more vigilant.' There are pediatricians in every market who are more open. Find those pediatricians and work with them. Focus on the health of your child, not on implementing the CDC's vaccine schedule. Recognize that there are many pediatricians who are motivated by their insurance company to have really high vaccination rates. Because of that, they may not have your child's best interests at heart. They may have the bonus that they're getting from their insurance company at heart. That's really inappropriate but happens all the time … I have is a singular motivation: to tell the truth and to save as many children as possible from the fate that befell my son … Guilt wrote this book, if you will. The two ways that I found to deal with that guilt is, one, to focus on my son in helping him get better, and, two, to warn as many parents as possible." Vaccine Experts Call for Vulnerability Screening Prior to Vaccination In depositions in a trial in Tennessee, Zimmerman and Kelley make it clear that children really should be screened before their first vaccine. If screening for individual susceptibilities were in fact done, many or most vulnerable children would be spared from being harmed by vaccines. "They bring up specifically in their depositions things like the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation, a gene that can limit the ability of the body to detoxify," Handley says. "They bring up maternal autoimmunity history as a potential risk. Any signs of food allergies, any signs of other illnesses, obviously. But there's this list of screens that you could do in advance that might save a meaningful portion of these children from harm. What's so frustrating about that is, in order for those screens to be put into place, there has to be an acknowledgment of causation." The Lies Being Told Handley spends an entire chapter tackling the mainstream notion that the science on vaccines is "settled;" that the studies have been done and no harm could be found. "It's simply a lie," Handley says. To be convinced, however, you may need to actually read through the studies yourself. If you do, you'll find the "evidence" that vaccines don't cause autism is based on a single vaccine, the MMR, and they only looked at a single ingredient, thimerosal. "Anybody with the willingness to spend a little bit of time on this topic will grow disenchanted with the things they're saying because they're unsupportable. They're lies. They're propaganda. I find it deeply disturbing that our public health officials will lie that blatantly," Handley says. "When you have people like Zimmerman and Kelley from Kennedy Krieger, who are now supporting what the parents are saying, I think the lie falls down even further. I think they're going to really have to answer to this book and explain why they're saying the things they're saying … [Three] of the scientists who've done some of the most amazing work on aluminum, and how it biologically causes autism, wrote letters to [the CDC] … [saying]: 'Based on the work that I have done with aluminum, I think that the words on your website saying vaccines don't cause autism [aren't] true. I encourage you to look closer at the aluminum science that I'm including here in my letter. This is a devastating crisis that I think we have answers for.' These are international renowned scientists writing to our CDC and saying that, 'The things you're representing to the public aren't true. You need to look at this topic again.' This is not parents versus the CDC. These are esteemed international scientists. These are clinicians from Kennedy Krieger … The gig is up. The truth is there for anybody willing to look. I really hope that groups of people will come together and say, 'Enough is enough. Enough with the lies. There is 1 in 36 children [with autism]. It's unacceptable. We have a clear answer for at least the primary trigger of what's going on. We need to start saving children, moving those with great risks out of harm's way to help end the autism epidemic.'" A major part of the problem is the fact that the CDC has been captured by the drug industry. Not only is the CDC in charge of implementing and promoting the vaccine program, it also holds dozens of vaccine patents,2,3 while simultaneously being in charge of vaccine safety and tracking autism rates! Add to that the revolving door between the CDC and the vaccine industry — the transition of Julie Gerberding from being director of the CDC to being an official in Merck's vaccine division is one of the most egregious ones — and you have a situation in which the agency charged with safety simply will not lift a finger to fulfill that responsibility. Join Us at Generation Rescue's Autism Education Summit Handley cofounded Generation Rescue with his wife in 2005. Actress Jenny McCarthy is the president. The organization assists parents who want to initiate biomedical intervention for their autistic child, and hold an annual Autism Education Summit. This year, it's held September 28 through 30 in Dallas. I'm scheduled to be keynote speaker. This summit is a wonderful opportunity for parents to hear what's new directly from the cutting-edge doctors who are treating children with autism biomedically. You can also learn more in Handley's book, "How to End the Autism Epidemic," which includes depositions from Zimmerman and Kelley — two pre-eminent members of the Kennedy Krieger Institute, the leading autism institution in the country — in which they unequivocally state that vaccines are causing autism. A third deposition covered in the book is by Dr. Stanley Plotkin, by many considered the godfather of the vaccine industry. Dr. Paul Offit brought him into Voices for Vaccines, a pharma front group, as an expert witness for a legal case in which a husband and wife were in disagreement as to whether or not to vaccinate their child. "[Plotkin] sat through an eight-hour deposition [and] was destroyed by the opposing council. What was revealed was many of the tricks, false narratives and disturbing ways of thinking that people in the vaccine industry think through, because Plotkin was one of the thought leaders of that. We learned everything from the fact that he tested vaccines on mentally retarded children — his words, not mine — babies in prisons and orphans. We learned the ugly history of vaccine trials. But he clearly acknowledges that the DTP vaccine doesn't really work, and that the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine trials were in fact quite faulty, because they had no placebo group. They received an aluminum-containing vaccine … His conflicts of interest are also spelled out in detail. He's literally making millions of dollars a year from vaccine makers, yet projects himself as this independent spokesperson for vaccines. He bailed on the trial the next morning after giving his deposition. He refused to be an expert witness. Luckily, we were able to obtain that deposition in a public manner. It's not sealed. I think anybody who reads his words in that deposition will be blown away by how the, arguably, default leader in the vaccine industry actually thinks. It's very damning and very disturbing," Handley says. More Information Lastly, you can also follow Handley on his blog, JBHandleyBlog.com. Among his most recent articles is "Did Vaccines Save Humanity?" in which he reviews disease statistics and vaccine data to answer that question. Between 1900 and today, there's been a massive decline in mortality, especially mortality from infectious diseases, and mandatory vaccination advocates are often quick to attribute that to the success of mass vaccination programs. However, scientists have identified a number of many other factors that contributed to lower mortality rates. Things like improved standards of living, clean water, refrigeration, sewage, less crowded living quarters and so on have all contributed to fewer complications from infectious diseases. Importantly, the data show dramatic declines in mortality from infectious diseases occurred well before the introduction of vaccines against the disease in question. According to Handley: "They estimate that vaccines' role in the overall decline in mortality from 1900 to today was somewhere between 1 and 3.5 percent of the total decline [in mortality] … Facts are facts. Data is data. Anybody who tells you that billions of lives have been saved because of vaccines, or whatever number they try to use, or that it's the primary driver [of infectious disease reduction] is insane. Because the facts don't support them and say differently. If you go to Africa, where they're still living in crowded conditions and still have horrible water, and they still don't have sanitation or refrigeration, and you vaccinate every kid, you might kill more children than you help because the other conditions haven't been bolstered. We actually learned that through … a study4 by Dr. Peter Aaby, a renowned epidemiologist of vaccines. What he found is that in [Guinea-Bissau] … children who got the DTP vaccine were five times more likely to die than those who didn't. The reason for that, as far as he could explain, was that it weakened their system so much that they were far more susceptible to other infections, because they were living in a highly infectious environment. So, if you go after public health and you don't do it with totality, and you think vaccines are going to solve the problem, they're not going to solve the problem. There's no data that says they would."

#VitalityPath

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sueboohscorner · 8 years ago

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#iZombie S3 Ep9 "Twenty Sided, Die" Recap & Review

Welcome to the ultimate episode for not only nerds; but Veronica Mars fans too! Yes, Logan has arrived! Well, actually Jason showed up last week as the new head of Fillmore- Graves, but for some reason I didn’t recognize him! Dumb me!

Don't Fear the Reaper!

We pick up where we left off last week with Ravi going undercover at Harley’s anti-zombie meeting. Harley plays the video of Justin in full on zombie mode and explains the danger at hand. Ravi definitely seems concerned! He even outs D.A. Baracus-future zombie mayor. John’s has the security guard; Billy Cook tell what he saw at the Max Rager party again. John’s then starts passing out dossiers on suspected zombies and asks for volunteers to keep an eye on them.

The Scratching Post is under new management and Blaine is falling into his old boss roll just fine. Don E is now his number two!

His goals are simple, keep the money flowing and get his new blue juice biz going. So- he asks Don E to try part of a brain soaked in the juice for twenty days, twice as long as Ravi’s recipe so should make for a hell of a trip. Don E isn’t into it but his weirdo sidekick (whom I am not sure has a name) is very into it! I am pretty sure Curly would be into taking just about ANYTHING!

Back at the meeting, Harley has assigned his zombie trackers. Harley wants his people to capture zombies, starve them and then he can broadcast it on a live stream.

Ravi must stop the madness so he stands up and explains that capturing zombies is a very bad idea-one could get scratched and turned into one and start the Zombie Apocalypse. He covers by saying he is working on a zombie vaccine to stall for time.

Harley agrees to go ahead with the surveillance plan minus the capture! Good save Ravi!

Outside the meeting Ravi meets a cute girl, Rachel, who explains she is not so much a zombie hater-she’s just an artist who would love to photograph one. Then she gives him a ride on her motorcycle! Go Ravi…

Finally, the nerd setup we have been waiting for. A game of D and D is taking place until the dungeon master takes a sip from a chalice and chokes to death. Nerd brains for Liv! Not only that, the strange IT guy from a former episode is BACK! I hope he makes some regular cameos on the show.

On the way to the crime scene Ravi fills in Liv and Clive on the details of the meeting. Clive isn’t quite sure what dungeons and dragons is but seeing the game definitely takes Ravi down memory lane, although he denies is a bit.

“Do I look like a nerd?” -Ravi

Clive is introduced to other players and some happen to work at the station. Since the goth guy is from IT I am going to guess the others are as well.

I am stereotyping here, I realize but I do know IT guys and the ones I know DO play Magic the Gathering every week.

Back at the lab, Liv cooks up a type of brain stew soufflé of some sort. It actually looks rather good!

After the stew kicks in Liv heads to the station to question the first suspect, Vampire Steve-our goth guy from earlier in the season. She is now starting to speak in story structure and rolling die to make decisions.

Clive explains to Vampire Steve that the victim, Master Dan was found to be into online poker which could be a motive for murder.

Vamp Steve explains Dan did not talk about his wealth but did just purchase a high-priced nerd item. Join the club Dan! Ostensibly, he owned a rare piece of art but Vamp Steve has not seen it in a while.

Liv discovers the entire group was poisoned in the game last week-ironic since Dan was killed the same way. Liv and Vampire Steve have an off topic back and forth and Clive is noticeably confused and irritated. Sometimes I wonder if Clive feels like dealing with all of Liv’s crazy personalities are worth the trouble. Anyone else?

Suddenly, after rolling her die, Liv gets a vision of the night the group all died in the game and they were all rather distraught by the news. Next suspect to visit-Zoe, the token girl of the group.

Meanwhile, Blaine is reviewing Curly’s notes of his blue juice trip. The brains came from a World War II vet who happened to be a lady’s man so yes, Curly had the trip of his life.

“Boys, we’re gonna be rich!” -Blaine

Obviously, Don E does NOT want to be left out of the fun so he downs a rather generous slice of the blue juice brain while no one is looking.

Over at bro-mance land, Ravi discovers Major has found a giant stack of hate mail that he has been hiding from him back when he was the accused Chaos Killer. He finds him reading them in a depressed state.

“I may never be loved, or have sex again…” -Major (Major have you looked in the mirror lately)?

Ravi tries to get him to stop, but Major finds a letter from a girl named Shawna who supports him explaining she also had been accused of a crime she did not commit. She includes a picture and a phone number, but Major isn’t buying into it.

Over at Peyton’s office, she is still working on the Dom case from a few weeks ago. She is interviewing one of the victim’s psychiatrists who insists there is no way her client would be visiting a dominatrix.

Liv and Clive visit suspect, Zoe’s place of work at a comic book store where Clive reminisces about his comic book reading days. He loved The Flash! Suddenly, they spot the piece of art missing from Master Dan’s house, now for sale at Zoe’s work. The painting triggers a vision of Zoe in an erotic cosplay session with Dan.

Zoe explains the piece isn’t missing, she won it off Dan in a bet. Liv suggests that she possibly won it during the cosplay session. Zoe also informs them that another player, Jimmy had a thing for her and was possibly jealous because of a naughty text he spotted.

Liv and Clive haul in Jimmy who denies the crush at first until Clive brings out his sketchpad complete with naughty heroic sketches of not only him Zoe-but one of Liv too!

Clive wonders how far his obsession might take him but Jimmy suggests they take a look at another player, Diego’s back.

Diego gives up the goods but explains he regrets his ink foible and explains he’s actually not the obsessed one either. It’s Vampire Steve whom had the real issue. Evidently, Steve used to be just regular ol’ Steve but because of Zoe’s Twi-Hard status he became who is today-Vampire Steve. The guy we know and love!

So, they haul back in Vampire Steve who explains he did not become V Steve for Zoe. He came to Vampirism of his own accord, he claims, and that despite her tryst with Dan- he believes him and Zoe will be together one day. Clive is frustrated with the dead-end suspects. He suggests they do some more digging.

“On a quest!” -Liv

In order to speed up some visions, Liv hosts her own D and D game, as master of course, and I cannot even write about it. It is seriously one of the funniest scenes I have ever witnessed on this show and possibly even ever on any show. I would absolutely love to see the outtakes from this scene.

Liv is obviously taking the game very seriously, as is Ravi. Major and Peyton are more reluctant along with Clive-well, for a little while anyway-he eventually become a little TOO involved!

I mean, honestly there is nothing I can say-you just have to watch it for the genius of it!

It does, however, spark a vision for Liv where she discovers Master Dan has a secret room so after the all-nighter her and Clive go to check it out.

Clive is pretty proud of himself!

“Hey, maybe we could have a regular game!” -Clive

Liv and Clive find the secret room which turns out to be a computer geeks paradise. Clive makes another white people joke-my favorite thing he does!

Back at the station they bring Zoe in to discuss the secret room and the computer they found in there that had a connection to Russian power plants. But the interview is interrupted by Clive’s boss saying they are shutting down the case and handing it to the feds. Dan was a possible hacker attempting to infiltrate Russian computer systems, so it’s out of their hands now.

Suddenly, his boss mentions the case has gone to Dale Bozzio, Clive’s old flame from Season Two.

If you recall, Clive was never able to explain all the things he had to cover up one he discovered Liv was a zombie so he rushes out to find her. Cue the sad love music.

He does find her! Just in time!

“You were right about Major Lilywhite not being a Mass Murderer, turns out he was just a Mass Kidnapper!” -Dale

She asks him if he wants to communicate anything new to her and although I am sure he wants to, he understandably cannot.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you, I’m absolutely lost without you…” -Clive

He asks her about the latest case and she tells him she can’t trust him. So, sad…

CUE SAD MUSIC

Back at Liv’s, she downs some army brain mush Major brings her to get rid of her personality so she can act normal for Justin at the fundraiser for Baracus.

Justin picks her up (looking pretty nice in a suit)!

Major seems slightly uncomfortable so he takes off home.

Back at The Scratching Post, Don E is having serious consequences to eating the large portion of the super charged brain! He’s trippin’ hard and he hauls ass out of the bar but no one cares enough to go after him. I find this wrong. When your friend is having a bad trip, everyone knows you are supposed to be there for them! Not that I have any personal experience…(clears throat).

Justin and Liv arrive at the Baracus event and Liv finally gets to meet Logan! I mean Chace Graves! The meeting is brief but I am definitely looking forward to more of him.

Peyton shows up explaining she came straight from work.

“Can you least pretend that this takes some effort?” Liv to Peyton.

Peyton grabs her boss, Baracus, to discuss the dom case but he wants, for obvious reasons, to let it go. Liv is there to give her the scoop on the real reason he wants her to let it go.

Meanwhile, at the lab, Ravi is working hard painting his D and D figure, when Harley arrives with an emergency.

He is all excited because he caught himself a real-life zombie! Not only that, the surveillance has led them to the existence of The Scratching Post and they figure Ravi has some tranquilizers to mellow out the captured zombie.

Guess who the zombie is??? His friends SUCK!

Back at Major’s place he is sulking on the couch, obviously depressed because he can’t be at the party protecting people like Justin and also just saw Liv leave with a date. Even “The Love Boat,” theme bums him out.

The Baracus party is still in full swing and Liv and Justin are about discussing going home for some sexy time! She points out Chace Graves to Justin and he confesses about him shooting him because of the missing cans of Max Rager on their wild night out. Liv is pissed and makes her way to confront him when abruptly -a mass shooting breaks out! Baracus freaks out and starts to turn into full on zombie mode but Liv talks him down.

All these big events, the helicopter crash and the shooting, have to be related and far too advanced for the likes of Harley and his inept crew! Does Fillmore Graves have something to do with it?

Back at sad Major-land, he appears to be getting ready for something and gives us this…

Thank you, Robert, director, camera man-whomever!

Of course, the girl from the letter, Shawna shows up and he lets her in.

Finally, Blaine pays a visit to his dad in the well…I was wrong! He did come back to feed him! Well, some scraps anyway! He even reads him the news…so sweet! Father and Son bonding time-iZombie style!

“That’s from an impotent proctologist, by the way…enjoy!” -Blaine

“Don’t fear the Reaper,” plays as Blaine feels pleased with his new life.

Somewhere else...a car pulls up and guess who is back?

Mr. Boss.

Cannot wait to see how this plays out!

Episode 10/10 Best one of the Season and one of the best overall!

Here are some more pics from this episode-ENJOY!!!

#cw #cwtuesdays #izombiefansunite #iZombie #rosemciver #robthomas #robertbuckly #malcolmgoodwin #izombierecap #rahulkohli

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evasplaypups · 8 years ago

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Guest Blog - Car Travel Tips for You and Your Dog – To Stay Safe and Enjoy It written by Tara Schatz

Welcome to another one of our Guest Blogs! We are so excited to feature this article, originally published by on Labrador Training HQ submitted by Jodie Clements and written by Tara Schatz.

Car Travel Tips for You and Your Dog – To Stay Safe and Enjoy It

One of the most awesome things about dogs is they are always up for an adventure, whether it’s a ride to the post office or a cross-country road trip.

Dogs usually make great traveling companions — they don’t tell you how to drive or ask if you’re almost there. In fact, many will just take any travel opportunity to catch up on their beauty sleep.

Traveling with your dog can be fun and rewarding, but it does require some extra planning to keep them safe and happy in the car. If you’ve been itching to hit the road with your favorite companion, but don’t know where to start, this article is for you.

Should You Bring Your Dog on Your Next Road Trip?

Your dog will probably consider traveling a grand adventure, but the truth is, not all dogs, or their human companions, are always up for great adventures.

The following guidelines will help you decide if your dog has what it takes to be a road warrior.

You Should Definitely Travel With Your Dog if…

You are willing to search out destinations and accommodations that allow dogs.

Your dog is happy in the car and doesn’t get car-sick.

Your pup enjoys visiting new places.

Your dog is up-to-date on all required vaccinations.

You don’t mind exercising your dog while traveling.

Your dog has some basic obedience skills and is comfortable socializing with people and other dogs.

You have the space in your car for your pup and all of his belongings.

You’re willing to skip over destinations that aren’t dog-friendly.

You Should Consider Traveling With Your Dog if…

Your dog is not well behaved or doesn’t respond to basic commands.

Your travels will take you to places that aren’t dog-friendly.

You won’t have time to give your dog the proper exercise and attention he needs.

Your car is tight on space.

Your dog experiences car sickness.

Your dog doesn’t enjoy traveling.

Please Don’t Travel With Your Dog if…

Your dog isn’t up-to-date on vaccinations.

Your pup suffers from fear or anxiety.

Your dog is not trained or socialized.

Your dog has shown signs of aggression toward people or other dogs.

Socialization for Traveling Puppies and Dogs

I mentioned above that you shouldn’t travel with your dogs if they aren’t socialized.

Dogs who haven’t been properly socialized are often fearful of new situations, anxious, or aggressive. To ensure safe and happy travels, it’s important to make your dog feel comfortable in new or unfamiliar situations.

Socialization occurs when your dog is a puppy, generally before 12-weeks of age. Socializing your puppy to new experiences while he is young will encourage him to be flexible and open to new situations later on. You can read more about socializing your puppy here.

If you are working with a pup who will eventually travel with you, it’s even more important to socialize them to different environments, surfaces, and people.

Older dogs may be more set in their ways, but you can still help them make positive associations with new experiences. The key is to take it slow. Here are some tips for preparing your puppy or older dog for car travel.

Be sure your dogs have plenty of chances to ride in the car. If they are nervous, just have them practice getting in and out of the car without going anywhere. Keep it positive, and don’t just drive to the vet and the groomer. Take your dog to the park, the woods, the lake. You want him to love car rides!

Expose your dog to traffic. Try and walk your dog on all kinds of streets with all kinds of traffic. Find roads where the cars are moving fast, where there are lots of pedestrians, and where traffic is backed up.

Encourage your dog to walk on all kinds of surfaces. Pavement, sand, grass, gravel, boardwalks, metal grates. You get the idea.

Expose your dog to crowds of people. There’s a good chance that your travels will bring you in contact with lots of people. Your dog should be used to seeing and interacting with babies, kids, and people of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Training Tips for Preparing Your Dog for Car Travel

Traveling with your dog will be more enjoyable for both of you if you can work together as a team. In order to keep your dog safe and yourself from going crazy, you should work with your dog on basic obedience and leash skills before even thinking about traveling together.

Here’s what your dog should know before any road trip.

Come. Your pup should reliably come to you whenever you call. Even if you plan to keep your dog leashed all the time — you just never know when you’ll need it. The Humane Society of the United States has a great article about teaching your dog to come when called.

Stay. This is another really useful command, especially when you’re getting in and out of the car. Ideally, when you give your dog the stay command, he should stay put until released. Check out this practical guide to teaching stay for more information.

Loose-Leash Walking. A dog that pulls you around the block is no fun to walk or travel with. Teaching your dog to walk calmly by your side will make life so much more fun for everyone. This article will help you teach your dog not to pull on the leash.

While these skills are the most important, you can teach your dog all kinds of commands that will help him be a better traveler.

If you want to give your dog a well-rounded education, I highly recommend the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program. Dogs who go through the program learn basic obedience and skills to help them integrate fully into their lives as human companions.

What to Pack When Traveling with Your Dog

Your dog’s identification tags. Obviously you won’t actually be packing them, but your dog should wear them at all times. Be sure your contact information, including a cell-phone number, can be found on your dog’s tags.

Vaccination records. Be sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations before any trip.

Flea and tick medication. How do you keep pests off your dog? Whatever method you choose, be sure your dog is protected before you travel.

Food and water bowls

Food and water

Leashes. Pack a short leash for regular walks and a longer one for exercising your dog.

Your dog’s bed. If you’ve got the room, your dog will love you for it. If you’re short on space, consider a travel bed like this one from Doggles.

Treats and toys

Poop bags

A treat pouch for training

A dog first aid kit for emergencies. The First Voice Basic Pet First Aid Kit contains supplies for minor medical emergencies.

Tips for keeping your dog safe and happy in the car

While traveling, it’s important to keep your dog secured in either a crate or a safety harness. A crate should be well-ventilated and large enough for your dog to stand, sit, and lie-down in. Whether you use a harness or a crate, it’s best to get your dog used to it before you actually hit the road. Read the Ultimate Guide to Crate Training for an in-depth look into using a crate with your dog. Always secure your dog’s crate in the car so it won’t slide around if you have to stop quickly.

Feed your dog at least three hours before a long trip to help prevent car sickness, and never feed your dog in a moving vehicle. If your dog tends to get car-sick, you can sprinkle a bit of powdered ginger on his food

Never leave your dog alone in a very hot or very cold car. It can be dangerous, or even deadly.

In addition to identification tags, make sure you pet is micro-chipped. This can be a lifesaver if your dog is ever lost.

Never let your dog ride with his head out the window. He could easily be injured by a flying object.

Bring water from home. Drinking water from a new area could upset your dog’s stomach.

At some point, you’re going to travel with a wet dog. You may want to invest in waterproof seat covers and floor liners for your car.

Conclusion

Traveling with your dog may not be easy, but it can be one of life’s greatest pleasures, provided you’ve planned ahead. With proper training and careful packing, your dog will be ready for trips big and small.

Start planning your next dog-friendly road trip, and be prepared to fall in love all over again.

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