Another case of Alabama Rot locally, in the press yesterday. This time only a mile and a half from us. We are right in the middle of this cluster of cases - between stars 1, 2 and 5 on the map. I have no intention of depriving Pongo of any of his walks in our lovely woods, and we'll just wash off his mud and keep an eye on him. In the face of a disease which is unpreventable, untreatable, and with a 90% mortality, what else can you do except carry on? I'm glad he can't read the newspapers. But if he could, I think his attitude would be pretty laid back about it..... come on mum, let's just go sniff, it'll be fine!
Oh Rosie, that's so close, I'm sorry it is such a scary thing but all you can do is what you are doing keeping Pongo washed after walks and be vigilant. There will always be something to worry about xx
@Rosie, I do admire your attitude, wish I could feel as brave. We have a case about a mile from me and where I used to walk and I became quite depressed and do worry. I have bought a portable shower to rinse off their paws but so far, can't get the dogs near it! This is a barmy thought, but I wonder if some person is putting down poison, quite a feat if they are.
It must be so worrying for you! You're so brave - I think I'd have wimped out and stuck to the streets by now. But you're so right - Pongo deserves his lovely walks and you're being as vigilant as you can. We just have to hope they find a cure for this horrible disease xx
I agree with your approach...it's no good shrinking your life and Pongo's life because of this risk... Fingers crossed that the problem is nailed down and a fix identified.
Oh no! I hope it doesn't i pact your walks too much. It's a good job Pongo doesn't mind the hose! Keep safe x
I had never heard of the disease, sounds awful. Fingers crossed for you. Hopefully the pharma industry finds some way to make money out of a vaccination/cure (as this is their sole motivation), and I hope the resulting medication is safe.
@Rosie , sorry to read you're up against this nasty disease. I admire your attitude. Thank goodness the gorgeous Pongo is unaware.
I'm pretty sure that if it was Pongo's decision, he'd want to carry on walking in his woods (and yes, having his mud-baths too). So that's what we'll do. The bluebells are still out, the wild garlic is still in flower, and spring is still springing everywhere ! It would be nice to hear of a cure or vaccine though... R
Sorry to read this Rosie. There was a piece on TV about Alabama Rot last week. I think it was on Breakfast TV.
Bit scary when it is so close, what else can you do but carry on and be vigilant? Hope all will be ok.x
Trouble is, that vigilance is no use, we cannot tell what causes Alabama Rot and so cannot avoid where it might be and by the time you spot the first sore, it is too late, at least 80% of the dogs die. But thank you for your kind words x
I think you have to grit your teeth and adopt a "que sera sera" attitude. I watch Pongo galloping through the woods, and I make damn sure I think about how happy he looks, not about the (very tiny) chance that there is a nasty in the mud somewhere. And of course he gets scabs and marks on him (he has a rough patch on skin on his elbow right now) and OF COURSE I always get heart-in-mouth and think lesionlesionlesion but no, it really is just a scabby elbow and I am not going to live in fear! And if the very worst of worse things happens....well we'll face that then. Until then he is going to enjoy his woodland walks!
@Rosie, you are so sensible. I agree, there is no point in limiting our dog's lives and confining them to roads, they must be free to live a good life and as you say, our hearts will drop into our boots if the worst happens, but we will face it, if and when.
So scary. Not sure what I would do in your place, but you are right that to deprive Pongo of his walks would be reducing his quality of life so you can only take what precautions you can, remain vigilant, but keep doing your thing. I really hope they find a cause/cure very soon.
