Hello Everyone.
 
First of all I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and
prayers a few weeks ago when we lost Gerry, my 13yr old German Shepherd.
My poor fur kids still run searching for their Mommy Gerry when they are
let out.  Even though I have put most of her old things away they still
find them hoping that she is nearby.
 
What I'm about to post doesn't only apply to our larger companions but
to our little ones as well.
 
Back when I was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC I became good friends with
the Army Vet assigned to our base.  She always saw to Gerry and the
ferrets personally when it came time for shots and other check ups.  I
was talking to her about decision to donate my fur kids to a researcher
after they had crossed the bridge so by their remains maybe a little more
could be learned to help prevent the nasty things we all deal with now.
 
She told me that that was wonderful and how when she had gone to Tufts
University it was frustrating to have five to ten students crowded up
on one dog or cat because the school would only work on donated pets
due to the underhanded dealings of the other suppliers.
 
When I moved back to MA I called up Tufts vet department and got some
more details on donating.  When I knew Gerry was having more serious
problems I had made the decision to take her to Grafton, to the school.
 
The people were very kind and treated Gerry with respect.  Even the young
senior student who attended to Gerry kept stroking her the whole time he
was injecting the serum.  I was able to hold her until she passed.  When
I got ready to leave the vet looked up form my papers and seemed rather
surprised.  He then said "thank you, not many people do this and I know
it's hard to leave her".
 
I think leaving Gerry there and not bringing her home was the hardest
thing I have ever done.  She is the first fuzzy family member to not be
buried in the woods behind our home.
 
I talked to the school again later and asked if they would accept other
pets besides dogs and cats.  It seems that when most of these schools
have a class on ferrets is only a two hour class with no hands on due
to having no subjects.
 
Several people asked me about the pet donation and asked me to post
something about it.  I'm not sure if all the Vet Schools are doing it but
those that do are grateful because they don't have to rely on dealers.
Here is a link to a wonderful site that deals with what they call
"Educational Memorial Programs":
http://www.hsus2.org/emp/faq_answer.html#classa
 
Even if you do not have a University near you some of your local vets
will work with the schools to arrange pick up.  You will also need to
check to see if there is a charge in your area.  I had to pay $62.00
Because I was considered an emergency case.
 
Like I said, it's a sad subject and a difficult thing to do but a Noble
cause if your willing.
 
Peace
 
Wendy from Harmony House
Still sad but recovering slowly
[Posted in FML issue 5175]