 As an organization, we are dedicated to educating people on the importance of preventing parasite related disease in our pets - but these disease are also common in the human population. In particular, Lyme disease - the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports over 5,000 new cases of Lyme disease in humans EVERY WEEK. Similarly, even with limited testing we saw nearly 360,000 cases of Lyme Disease in dogs in 2019. Can you imagine the results if there was regular testing?
Meet Cassidy, a veterinary student who is fighting with Lyme Disease amongst other tick transmitted diseases. She has courageously offered to share her story to help raise awareness for her humane and animal counterparts. When I look back at these past five years, I’m still baffled that this is my life. That I’m living with three separate diseases that all came from a tiny tick bite. I pretty much go through a range of emotions each day- rage, frustration, anxiety, depression, determination, but most of the time? I’m just plain tired. I’m tired of the symptoms. I’m tired of the myriad of pills I have to take each day. I’m tired of the bills that pile up from treating this illness. But most of all I’m tired of constantly dealing with the lack of education most medical doctors have of tick-borne illnesses and the biases they have when it comes to all of them. This is why I’m so glad there are organizations in the veterinary field that are focused on treating, protecting from, and testing for tick-borne infections for BOTH humans and animals. All of those people advocating and working for change - So many families with loved ones that are suffering from the same thing and wanting relief for them depend on this. So while I am constantly feeling those mixtures of emotions, I am also very blessed to be able to be a part of that profession. That I’ve been able to continue on despite my health. That I’ve been able to push through (very stubbornly I might add) all of the muck that is Lyme Disease, Bartonella, and Babesia (and mold/mycotoxins, adrenal dysfunction, mast-cell activation syndrome, Epstein-Barr virus...) and become the veterinarian I’ve always wanted to be. So I continue trucking along, taking each day as it comes, each symptom as it comes. I’m not going to lie, sometimes it is so tough and frustrating. I’m 30 years old, and I have the body of an elderly woman. My friends even call me their grandma! But going through all of this while chasing my dreams has made me realize how important self-care is, especially in this profession. It’s really the only thing (besides stubbornness) that has enabled me to get this far. So please, especially during this pandemic, take care of yourself and your body! These are some tips I have for myself to stay healthy -
Take it from someone who knows, ticks are out in full force this summer. Protect yourself and your loved ones - pets included. For more information or to donate to Lyme Disease research in Humans check out the LivLyme Foundation For more information on Lyme Disease in your Pets check out the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) and consider donating to One Love Pets to continue efforts of providing parasite prevention to animals in need worldwide!
0 Comments
Have supplies laying around the house that you would like to donate?
Contact us at [email protected]!
Thankfully, we were able to step in and help Fozzie's family, who had already done so much for Fozzie. Fozzie's heartworm treatment is now complete and Fozzie is just waiting for the all clear!
Animals are suffering from heartworm disease and other parasite related diseases all over the world. Help us to continue providing prevention to the healthy and treating the sick! To donate to Fozzie's medical bills or any of the other animals sponsored by One Love Pets, please visit the link below.. No donation big or small goes unappreciated!
Check out SAFE St. Kitts for more information on Rufus and the other animals they have in their program!
Help us to continue to save animals, like Rufus, every donation helps!
One of the most rewarding aspects of our organization is when we are able to get out into the community and educate pet owners on the dangers of parasites. Our mission was founded because of our experiences living in the beautiful island of St. Kitts. The island is home to beautiful beaches, a local community with amazing culture, great food and multiple medical schools as well as Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. In past years, animal welfare had not been a priority on the island but with the help of countless people and organizations animal welfare is improving throughout the island. Recently we joined two amazing organizations stationed in St. Kitts (PAWS and VIDA) for their community outreach event. It's truly an amazing experience to give people of all ages a place where all of their questions be answered. This is where improvement starts, because in general many people (all over the world) do not know how to properly care for their pets! At this event, the local community was invited to bring their pets for free wellness exams, vaccines and of course flea and tick prevention! This event also helped out the students studying to become veterinarians. They gained invaluable experience doing physical exams and giving vaccines properly, under the guidance of some of the best teachers around (I promise I'm not biased). In addition to medical care, there was information provided about proper housing, nutrition and other important animal welfare topics. Families were also given pet food, leashes and collars for their furry friends. Puppies, Kittens, Dogs and Cats from all over the island lined up for services - it was an amazing turn out! This is just one more step for a healthier animal population in St. Kitts. We look forward to the next! Thank you PAWS, VIDA and all of the volunteers for putting together this fantastic event! And thank you to all of our donors for your ongoing support!
Check out the great things being done by the other organizations that sponsored this event:
PAWS- St Kitts Ross University VIDA And to help us provide flea and tick prevention as well as other helpful items check out our Amazon Wishlist! |
Archives
August 2020
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed