We were the proud owners of two healthy, happy dogs, a Sheltie and a Pomeranian. Now they are both gone and we are left with only fond memories and tremendous grief. It is with heavy hearts that we share our tragic story….

PLEASE HEED THIS WARNING

We had a pesky bug problem. We called in the “Pros”; a nationally recognized company that we trusted. They had sprayed for us before without incident. This time was different.

Our resistant bug problem required the “fogging” of two upstairs rooms and treating our staircase. Prior to the treatment we asked, several times, if our dogs would be safe kenneled downstairs. They told usrepeatedly thatthey wouldbe safeduring and after the treatments kenneled downstairs.

They gave us these instructions: Keep A/C off to avoid air circulation. Remain outside “fogged” rooms for 2-4 hours and leave the towels placed at thresholds down until then. Keep the dogs off the stairs for “a few hours”. Wait 4 hours then enter the rooms, open windows, turn on fans, close doors again and let rooms “air out” for a half hour. After that, all would be “safe”.

We followed the instructions. We kenneled them downstairs and put our cat on the porch while we left for 4 hours. Upon returning, we let the dogs out and played with them downstairs as the upstairs rooms “aired out” per the instructions. Later we retired for the night, placing both dogs into their kennels.

The next day everything started out “normal”. The dogs went out, played in the yard, and greeted the telephone repairman with their usual barking that afternoon. We kenneled them so the repairman could work without them underfoot. Hours later, as their dinnertime approached, we went to get our Pom out and noticed she had vomited. When set on the floor, she immediately defecated. Concerned, we checked the Sheltie and found her still body in the back of her kennel.

We frantically rushed to our vet’s office, informed them about the extermination and contacted the Pest Control Company to ask what they had used. We later found out that at least one of those chemicals presents known dangers to pets.

Despite all veterinary efforts, our Sheltie remained comatose and later died. Our Pom was treated with charcoal and appeared to be doing well. We returned home, monitored her closely, and administered another dose of charcoal at 11:00pm. Around 4:00am, she had a seizure. We rushed to the emergency clinic and despite all efforts, she too passed away. We were devastated.

Initial findings of the necropsies and blood work indicate chemical poisoning.

Check diligently with your veterinarian before allowing treatments in your home no matter what assurances you are given by the so-called pest control professionals.

Let the tragic loss of our precious dogs be the savior for your pets.

*Names and specifics withheld at the family’s request.