http://www.chesapeakesafeharbor.com/

Chesapeake Safe Harbor, 1641 S East Street, Amherst, MA (2026)

03/24/2026

GwR 575a Death: Decisions/ Support/ Memories -
Revised Content in the 'Search Chessie Posts' spreadsheet
As the number of members in the 'Chesapeake Bay Retriever Love' group ('CBR Love') has risen to ~5,000 currently, there will be more people with old or sick dogs.
There have been many more posts where owners are adjusting to the loss of a much-loved Chessie. I think some posts are created because people know that CBR Love is a caring environment, where much empathy is shown by people who know only too well what it is like to lose a much-loved dog.
The 'Search Chessie Posts' spreadsheet is a service offering for members of the CBR Love group.
It contains a list of the 600+ most useful posts that I have noticed in the various Chesapeake groups over several years. Much useful information used to be lost when posts were just 'used once' and then buried. Now, helpful Chessie posts can be Categorized and Sorted into a large spreadsheet... where they can be found & re-used to provide useful information to Chessie owners.

The majority of these posts are medical, because when people have a sick dog, they are especially eager to learn from the knowledge and experience of others - and to provide the best care they can to their special brown dog..

Here is the list of the Categories in the 'Search Chessie Posts' spreadsheet -
- Death (Decisions, Support, Memories)
- Enrichment
- Equipment
- Food
- Health 1: Head, Ears+
- Health 2: Body (internal)
- Health 3: Legs, Feet, CCL
- Health 4: Skin, Hair, Ticks
- Health 5: DNA, S*x, Butt, P**p, Pups
- Miscellaneous
- Toys
- Training
I am now subdividing the posts in the Category of 'Death' into three separate 'SubCategories' -
DEATH 1 - DECISIONS
The first subdivision will be for Posts relating to 'quality of life' topics and questions about 'When is the right time to help my dog journey on towards the Rainbow Bridge?'. There have been two 'Growing with Raffie' posts about this topic:
GwR 344 When is it Time ?? (contains the Quality of Life/ HHHHHMM Scale)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/chesapeakebayretrieverlove/permalink/802741008601732
and
GwR 452 When is it Time, Agreed ?? (advice on situations where family members are not in agreement, and has the MN Pets 'Quality of Life Assessment' tool) https://www.facebook.com/groups/chesapeakebayretrieverlove/permalink/951095283766303
DEATH 2 - SUPPORT
The second subdivision will be for 'Support' - These are the emotional contributions (such as the words of the Rainbow Bridge), where the post contains an uplifting and caring message.
Yesterday I shared a post that I had written that belongs in this section:
GwR 572 I have been lucky..., but not today (a piece written as my Chessie 'Chester' lay dying in my arms)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/chesapeakebayretrieverlove/permalink/1134574502085046
NOTE: I have not added the hundreds of 'condolences' posts into the spreadsheet, as each of them would only be of limited benefit to an individual when their own dog has died.
DEATH 3 - MEMORIES
The final Category subdivision is for the suggestions for pet memorials, or ways to preserve their memories, such as a framed painting, or a casting of our dog's nose/ paw print.
My hope is that this change will make it easier for group members to ask for the collection of relevant posts that will be of most use to them, for whichever challenge they are facing.
NOTE: I hope that the photo of Raffie lying under the blanket was not too disturbing, or 'triggering' for people. My sincere apologies for anyone who found the image brought back painful memories. Raffie is in good health and was playing by going under the blanket.
Death is a difficult subject to talk or write about. It is normal, natural and will happen sooner or later, to every single one of us and to all of our loved ones.
There is a lot of empathy and support available from the ~5,000 members in the Private, SPAM-free 'Chesapeake Bay Retriever Love' group.
The links above will work for existing members of that group, but non-members will need to JOIN the group first, before they can see those posts or be sent the Links in the 'Search Chessie Posts' spreadsheet. If you are not already a member, then it's time that you JOINED !!

Here's the link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/chesapeakebayretrieverlove

Friends invite their Friends to JOIN the CBR Love group !!

11/30/2025

GwR 517 History of Rainbow Bridge
This post was written for 'CBR Love' group. JOIN it to see more posts
Edna Clyne was nineteen years old and living in Inverness, Scotland, in 1959, when her Labrador Retriever named Major died. He was her first dog. Not the family’s first, there had been others in the house, but the first that had been hers alone.
The day after Major died, Edna felt a compulsion. There was something she needed to write, and while she hadn’t preconceived any of it, it was there, words longing to be heard. She remembers it being a warm and wonderful feeling, like Major himself was guiding her in what to write.
Nineteen year old Edna envisioned a kind of 'limbo', where deceased pets are returned to their most healthy state... where their spirit awaits the arrival of their earthly human companion, so that they may cross the Bridge together, to achieve true and eternal paradise in each other’s company, and to thereafter never again be parted.
Edna showed it to some other people who were close to her, and then she put the paper away, not showing it to anyone else for a long time. Years later, after getting married, Edna Clyne-Rekhy showed it to her new husband, who thought it was wonderful and suggested that she publish it. Edna didn’t want to publish it, telling him it was something private between herself and Major. But it wasn’t so private that she couldn’t share it with friends. She decided to make a few copies. She didn’t have access to any sort of photocopy machine, so she typed them out individually and gave them to people she was close to.
These copies started to find their way out into the World! They had no details on them to indicate who had authored Rainbow Bridge. By the early 1990s copies had crossed the Atlantic and were being shared by animal lovers’ groups in the United States. This was still a very small and obscure audience. But in early 1994 a reader who had seen the words printed in a Humane Society newsletter wrote to Dear Abby.
The work of mother and daughter team of Pauline and Jeanne Phillips, Dear Abby was the largest circulation syndicated newspaper column in the United States, offering advice and words of wisdom to an audience of 100,000,000 readers. On February 20, 1994, Dear Abby printed the letter, which advised, “if you print this you had better warn your readers to get out their hankies before they read it,” and was signed by “An old softy in Grand Rapids, Michigan.” And underneath was the entire text of Rainbow Bridge.
It provoked an overwhelming response, mailbags full of letters from pet owners who had been touched, as if these words were exactly the ones they had been waiting all their lives to hear. The world now had Rainbow Bridge - but Rainbow Bridge had arrived with no author's name!
Dear Abby recognized the oversight in publishing the text anonymously, and had in the same column asked her readers to please write in with a name so it could be properly credited and its creator recognized. None did.
Lacking a single author, Rainbow Bridge soon had many, as various animal experts and grief counselors stepped forward to claim the words as theirs. Booklets started to appear helping to justify their claims, although since none of them appeared before Dear Abby ran the text it is hard to see how they had any credibility. The United States Copyright Office lists fifteen separate claims under the title of Rainbow Bridge within five years of Dear Abby’s column.
The identity of the real author might have remained a mystery, if it were not for the curiosity and the determination of one man to discover the author. Paul Koudounaris is an American author and photographer. He is one of the world's leading experts on pet cemeteries and animal burials. He researched the different claimed sources for the author of Rainbow Bridge. In an old Chat Group, he found a brief reference to Edna.
In 2023, when Paul reached out to her, Edna was 82 years old. She agreed to send him a photo of the original draft that she had written back in 1959. The original version was stored in a box of odds and ends in her attic - marked, “If you can’t find it, it’s in here"!
He said that he knew immediately that he had located the real author of Rainbow Bridge.
When asked about the people who had claimed authorship of her writing, Edna said
it was wrong of people to try to claim it as theirs, and like anyone who has poured their heart into a text she’s not too keen on the alternate versions floating around, with people having changed some of her original prose.
More than anything though, she is simply flattered that something she wrote so long ago has resonated with such a vast number of people—the fact that it has comforted so many is the greatest possible homage to her love for Major. Not that she has ever fully understood the extent of her accomplishment. Edna had never even heard of the Dear Abby column, which reached 100,000,000 Americans. She knew nothing about the inscribed tablets in pet cemeteries. She had also never heard the abbreviation ATB, which stands for: “At The Bridge,” and that there are entire mourning groups based around those three letters, which signify the pets waiting to meet their owners at a place she invented for Major.
In 2023, when 82 year old Edna retrieved the original copy from that box in the attic, it was 63 years since she had written the 'Rainbow Bridge'. However, when she re-read her original copy, she started to cry - the memories of her dog Major still stir strong emotions for her.
The Rainbow Bridge
By Edna Clyne-Rekhy
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, your pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and strength, those who were hurt are made better and strong again, like we remember them before they go to heaven.
They are happy and content except for one small thing, they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance, his bright eyes are shineing (sic), his body shakes.
Suddenly he begins to run from the herd, rushing over the grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cuddle in a happy hug never to be apart again.
You and your pet are in tears. Your hands again cuddle his head and you look again into his trusting eyes, so long gone from life, but never absent from your heart, and then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
Next Steps:
About three years ago, I started collecting the links to the most useful Chessie Posts in the multiple groups that I monitor. The ~500 posts are Categorized, then Sorted into a spreadsheet called 'Search Chessie Posts'.
One of the Categories that Posts are grouped under is called: 'Death'. These are a collection of Posts that might be useful before or after the death of a favored pet.
This post 'Growing with Raffie' # 517 'History of Rainbow Bridge' has been added into that spreadsheet. If any of those posts might be useful to members of the Chessie community, I can share the link to a single post, or the links to many of them.
Here are the current posts in the Category of 'Death'.
If you would like any of the links, please send me a request via PM
Posts in 'Death' Category of 'Search Chessie Posts' spreadsheet
Is it too early, or too late ?
Knowing when to say Goodbye
When is it Time ?? (GwR 344)
When is it Time, Agreed?? (GwR 452)
Grief Support - Stay emotionally connected
I have been lucky..., but not today
History of Rainbow Bridge (GwR 517)
Letter from the Rainbow Bridge
Memory: Book for departed friends
Memory: Nose or Paw Print
Memory: Picture
Memory: Picture & Paw Print
Poem: Jimmy Stewart's Poem w video: Beau
Poem: Proof that a Dog Lives Here… (GwR 378)
Poem: Stop all the clocks
The Best Thing about Loving your Dog
The Last Battle poem
The Privilege of having Loved (GwR 409)
They make you feel Alive
Tribute: One Last Hunt for Gauge
Understanding Grief: Ball in a Box Analogy (GwR 376)
Writings: Jim Carey on 'Death'
Sources
Paul Koudounaris: https://www.orderofthegooddeath.com/.../the-rainbow.../
Paul was interviewed for a podcast on the subject of Rainbow Bridge. I found this was most interesting from ~21 minutes in...
https://deathintheafternoon.libsyn.com/interview-uncovering-pet-deaths-greatest-mystery?
Images may be subject to Copyright

07/23/2025

UPDATE 08/02/25
Sandy's safety has been guaranteed over the last 2 weeks by a commitment from Chesapeake Safe Harbor rescue. But now, it looks like she's about to be **ADOPTED** and moved from the shelter to a real HOME !!
More news Monday or Tuesday - in a separate Post...
I'm SO Excited for this young Chessie-mix to be SAVED!!

Growing with Raffie # 459
HELP: Kill Shelter: 2yo Chessie-Lab mix, Melfa VA
Sandy's owner has passed and she's faced PTS.
The shelter is stressing her out: She's restlessness, pacing, and crying. Outside, Sandy is affectionate and well-mannered.

Location: Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility
28167 Beacon Rd, Melfa, VA. (757) 787-7091
(50 miles South of Salisbury, MD; 50 miles North of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel)
Heartworm negative. Being neutered, in anticipation of ADOPTION

WHO will open their Heart & Home for her?

Shelter link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AcMrw51f2/
DELIVERY: Homes in the NorthEast: If you're the right family for her, I will consider bringing her to YOUR Door and spending some time with her, with you...but we NEED a home for her, and QUICKLY !!

Please reach out to the shelter, or to me with any questions. Roger

03/22/2025

Growing with Raffie # 397
Dewclaws: Keep or Remove? (Incl Dr. Zink article)

My choice is 'Keep'!.. but to avoid this becoming a competition of opinions, the Answer is always a *personal one* !!
If you're sharing an 'opinion', please include any references or supportive details.

REAR Dewclaws are generally removed very soon after birth - and the majority of people are very comfortable with this decision, which aligns with AKC Breed Standard for Chessies:"Dewclaws, if any, must be removed from the hind legs. Disqualifications: Dewclaws on the hind legs are a disqualification" NOTE: The AKC Standard for some Breeds 'require' the rear dewclaws - e.g. Beauceron: because they are functional double dewclaws. Double dewclaws form well separated "thumbs" with nails, placed rather close to the foot. Disqualification - Anything less than double dewclaws on each rear leg." Source:https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChesapeakeBayRetriever.pdf
https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Beauceron.pdf
FRONT Dew Claws - Keep or Remove?
CBR Breed Standard: "Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed"
Source: https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ChesapeakeBayRetriever.pdf.These dewclaws don't touch the ground when the dog is standing, but dogs use their dewclaws for gaining traction on ice in slippery winter conditions, and when running at full speed.
Muscles and tendons connected to the dewclaw suggest that they are part of the dog’s ambulatory ability. Though not proven, their removal is suspected to cause arthritis later in life.
Anyone worried that the dog might damage their dewclaws can reduce this risk significantly by trimming the nails regularly, though NOT with guillotine clippers. Filing your dog's nails with a ceramic file is probably the least stressful option for your dog. It's essentially silent and has minimal vibration, and can round the *Sides* of the nails which really helps to reduce any chance of cracking or splitting. You can you get them very short/ smooth/ round....
Ceramic File: QEP Ceramic Tile File 10091q retails for around $13
GwR 154: 'Dewclaws getting long?' https://www.facebook.com/share/v/12DD1KZfWJ2/
Article quoted in full for discussion purposes: The Case for Dewclaws
by Dr. Chris Zink, DVM PhD DACVSMR.
I am a vet that works exclusively with performance dogs, developing rehabilitation programs for injured dogs or dogs that have had surgery as a result of performance-related injuries. I have seen many dogs now, especially field trial/hunt test and agility dogs, that have had chronic carpal arthritis, frequently so severe that they have to be retired or at least carefully managed for the rest of their careers. Of the over 30 dogs I have seen with carpal arthritis, only one has had dewclaws. The others have all had them removed.

If you look at an anatomy book (Miller’s Guide to the Anatomy of Dogs is an excellent one – see figure below) you will see that there are 5 tendons attached to the dewclaw. Of course, at the other end of a tendon is a muscle, and that means that if you cut off the dew claws, there are 5 muscle bundles that will become atrophied from disuse.
Those muscles indicate that the dewclaws have a function. That function is to prevent torque on the leg. Each time the foot lands on the ground, particularly when the dog is cantering or galloping, the dewclaw is in touch with the ground. If the dog then needs to turn, the dewclaw digs into the ground to support the lower leg and prevent torque. If the dog doesn’t have a dewclaw, the leg twists. A lifetime of that and the result can be carpal arthritis. Remember: the dog is doing the activity regardless, and the pressures on the leg have to go somewhere. They can be absorbed by the dewclaw, or they will move up and down the leg to the toes, carpus, elbow, and shoulders.
Perhaps you are thinking, “I never have had one of my dogs have carpal pain or arthritis.” Well, we need to remember that dogs, by their very nature, do not tell us about mild to moderate pain. If a dog was to be asked by an emergency room nurse to give the level of his pain on a scale from 0 o 10, with 10 being the worst, their scale would be 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Most of our dogs, especially if they deal with pain that is of gradual onset, just deal with it and don’t complain unless it is excruciating. But when I palpate the carpal joints of older dogs without dewclaws, I almost always elicit pain with relatively minimal manipulation.
As to the possibility of injuries to dew claws. Most veterinarians will say that such injuries actually are not very common at all. And if they do occur, then they are dealt with like any other injury. In my opinion, it is far better to deal with an injury than to cut the dew claws off of all dogs “just in case.”
Source: https://www.retrievertraining.net/threads/the-case-for-dewclaws.213870/

Are the opinions of Dr. Chris Zink worth relying on?!
Vet & PhD ... and someone who works dogs and has titled many... I challenge you to find anyone with greater knowledge or respect in the industry!
"Previously named Veterinarian of the Year by the AVMA, Dr. Chris Zink is an award-winning author of numerous books and co-editor of the first ever book on Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Founder of Avidog-Zink Ventures, and a world-renowned expert in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, with over 200 titles in Agility, Obedience, Conformation, Tracking, Hunt Tests, Barn Hunt, Nosework, Coursing, and Rally on dogs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier and Herding groups. Dr. Zink was also instrumental in establishing the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation as the newest specialty in veterinary medicine."Source: https://gooddog.com/good-breeder-center/canine-health-fitness-with-dr-zink and https://avmajournals.avma.org/page/Zink-Bio/zinkbio.

For more of these Growing with Raffie Posts, please consider visiting 'Chesapeake Bay Retriever Love' group https://facebook.com/groups/chesapeakebayretrieverlove

02/15/2025

Growing with Raffie # 378
Poem: Proof that a Dog Lives Here

This is by Josie Balka -
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15zt9gmAeg/

It is a beautiful poem -
Whether one is grieving a recent loss;
- or Remembering a dog who touched your heart in the past;
- or Enjoying a Dog's companionship right now, but knowing that Time moves too fast...

I'm posting this on February 14th...
But in just 7 more days, it will be February 21st.
What's the significance of that date, you might well ask ...!

January has 31 days
Add an additional 21 days in February...
Makes 52 days in total

Dogs lives are much shorter than ours -
Which people estimate as being seven dog years to each human year.
365 days being one human year, for seven dog years.
365 ÷ 7 = one dog year = 52 days

On February 21st, our canine companions will have lived 'a year, in dog terms' of 2025.

By February 21st...
Will you have given your dog a full 'dog year's worth' of special experiences?
Will you have stepped away from the TV/ Computer/ Phone enough...?.. enough to know, that for the first 'Dog Year' of 2025, you made those days really special for your canine companion ??

There are so many Memories that are visited in this poem, that I wish the poem could be read at half of this speed...!

Instead, of just slowing the recording, if someone has access to *typed* version of this poem (or if they care to create a typed up version), I'll be glad to add it to this post... that way, people can choose to read it at their own speed... while picturing the scenes in their lives that these words inspire.

I will ADD this Post to the 'Search Chessie Posts' spreadsheet that is available to members of the 'Chesapeake Bay Retriever Love' group. There is a section on 'Death', with links to memorable posts on the following topics:
- Preparing for the departure of a loved companion;
- Determining 'When' it is Time;
- Creating keepsakes...;
- Adjusting to the loss of a loved one...

My heart goes out to those people (and indeed, to those DOGS) who are struggling with the loss of a cherished companion...

The stronger we 'LOVE',
The greater the LOSS that we can feel,
When our Friend / Companion is no longer breathing the air in front of us...

12/09/2024

Growing with Raffie # 351
TO: Whoever Loved my Dog before Me...

Thank You Note to Whoever Loved my Dog before Me:

I believe you loved her.
She’s too damn “good” to have been unloved.
I wish you could know she is safe, healthy and happy.
But mostly I wish you knew how adored she is.
I will be grateful for the opportunity to love her for the rest of my life.
And if I bring her half the joy she brings me.....I’m doing well

Author: Mandy Jackson
My picture is of CSH 'Logo Dog' Chester

10/15/2024

Growing with Raffie # 341
Saved !! Chessie-mix in Vernal, UT shelter

Hello Newt…
We Have a PLAN: Someone is Coming to get YOU !!!

Thanks are due to Sheriann Harris for alerting me to Newt's situation (along with her massive rescue efforts…)
Thanks also to ALL the People who expressed concern for Newt and looked for a solution

Special Thanks for Mindy Facey & her husband who have agreed to drive four hours to the shelter from out of state.
That will happen TOMORROW morning (Wednesday)… then they get to meet this fine four-legged fellow… and drive him on home to begin FOSTERING

The Support behind this is CBR R&R : )
Many Thanks to Melissa Martens Headley & to Paula Knight & others…
CBR R&R will oversee Newt's ownership & care

What comes after that…?
We will have to wait and see, but here's a glimpse of might occur:
Mindy said: "My hubby has a couple of close friends looking for a dog. One wants older, but they were going to talk to the other. Ideally we could help Newt get back on his feet and find his forever home…"

With So Many Dogs in shelters, what can YOU do to help…??
1. Visit and support your local shelters:
2. Help Chessie Rescue:
Can you help with a Donation/ Dog walking/ Foster/ Adopt/ Do whatever's needed…??!

Thanks for the support and encouragement that you provide for Rescue : )

10/14/2024

Growing with Raffie # 340
Help: Chessie-mix in Vernal, UT shelter

Hello, NEWT needs some help please!!

He's a 2 year old Chessie-mix, that's good with other dogs.

His previous owners surrendered him (and a companion dog, Jack) after the owner got pregnant …and the couple worried about finances

The picture shows a confused and scared dog - poor boy!!
Let's find some positive energy for this sweet guy : )
Do we have anyone near Vernal, Utah, or someone who could go out of their way to visit Newt, PLEASE ??
He's about three hours East of Salt Lake City, UT, in the far northeast of the state.
or two hour South of Rock Springs, WY
If someone can go to visit him, I'd like to work with you on options for him
Is anyone interested off the bat, about maybe giving this sweet boy the forever home that he really deserves ??
Or even just a safe place to land, decompress and be safe, until his next home is found ??
Remember that he's good with other dogs, so just add him into your pack and help him to feel at home…!!
The shelter is at:
1387 E 335 Street, Vernal, UT 84078
Phone: (435) 781-7297
[email protected]
Hours are 8 AM - 5 PM Mon - Fri

Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/434656299975822/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
You are welcome to reach out to me with questions, or suggestions
I only received his details tonight, but will aim to learn more about him tomorrow
Remember: It is our Compassion that makes us Human…
Newt needs someone to find space in their heart & their lives for him
Thank you, Roger

09/29/2024

Growing with Raffie # 336
PSA: Call ASPCA Poison Control - (888) 426-4435
DISCLAIMER: These are ideas of what I would probably do. They are NOT Advice or Instructions for others to follow…
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, take ACTION with appropriate SPEED…!!
A few minutes Might make the difference between LIFE …and DEATH : o
If your dog is having seizures, unconscious (or losing consciousness), or having difficulty breathing, most people would immediately take their dog to a local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic.
What to do if your pet is poisoned:
- Remove your pet from the area.
- Check to make sure your pet is safe: breathing and acting normally
- Do NOT give any home antidotes.
- Do NOT induce vomiting without consulting a vet or pet poison professional
- If veterinary attention is necessary, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
- Call ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (or possibly the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661)

Calling YOUR Vet is generally helpful - Your vet knows you, your pet, and your pet’s medical history. They can give you advice suited to your pet.
However, if they are CLOSED / Unavailable / or if it is CRITICAL to get HELP *ASAP*…
Then it might be best to call your nearest Veterinary Animal Emergency Hospital for medical advice, &/or to confirm they will be able to see your dog.
Or, possibly an animal poison control Helpline (see below)
Your Vet is going to have a history on your dog and note of any medications that they are on.

If you are heading to the Emergency Hospital, you might want to throw your dog's meds in a bag, or take a photograph of them, so you can confirm the drug, its concentration, the size of the doses and their frequency. Those can be hard items to recall from memory if you are worried whether your pet is going to outlive the day…
If your dog has been muzzle-trained, bringing their muzzle might be useful.
Photograph &/or bring the item that is suspected of having poisoned your dog (*If safe to do so…)
If human medications are involved, you'll need as much information on them as possible -
e.g. How many pills does the container hold…? so how many do you think were in there before the dog ate some…? and how many pills are scattered across the floor and uneaten…?
Math will suggest how many pills might have been consumed.
Also, note WHEN the items were ingested… and TIME Key events occurred (e.g. The dog became very lethargic around 9:30am)
There are MANY Poison advice centers & web pages… Which would I use & why?
I'll be calling ASPCA, as I think they have the best toxicology-trained veterinary experts there.
(My dogs are more important to me than their $95 fee, or whether their CEO gets paid $1 Million/Year!)
Still undecided? Who does YOUR local Veterinary Emergency Hospital suggest that YOU use for the best toxicology advice…
If you are rushing to your local Veterinary Emergency Hospital…. Do you need to contact the Poison Control center as well?
For me, that will depend on what my dog might have ingested… & the time to reach the hospital, etc.
If in doubt, I'll be calling poison control (These decisions are also very easy to make if you have pet Insurance !)

NOTE: If the poison's treatment is very complicated, your Veterinary Emergency Hospital could ask you to open a case with the toxicology experts…
They will take YOUR Poison Control 'Case Number' & Call-back Phone Number… and work with them to save your dog.
What Happens when you call the ASPCA Poison Control?
1. Some questions about your Dog - including breed, age, weight, health history and symptoms. (Some breeds are prone to certain health conditions… impacting the treatment recommendations.)
2. Questions About the Toxin: Having as much information on what your pet was exposed to as possible is incredibly helpful. You will be asked questions about the product package, the strength of ingredients and the amount your pet was exposed to; so having the product close at hand is always a plus. It’s important to let us know if your pet is showing any clinical signs such as vomiting, not eating or acting lethargic.
3. Next Steps - Once the experts have gathered all the information that they need, they can come up with a treatment plan to help your pet through either home or vet care.
If your pet’s case is something that can be managed at home, your caseworker will walk you through whatever you may need to do. They will give you any instructions you may need or symptoms you should monitor your pet for.
Once you’ve been given all of the information you need, you’ll receive a case number and a call-back number.

NEXT STEPS:
I will be writing more GwR (Growing with Raffie) Posts on the Deadliest Pet Toxins; Preparing for natural disasters; etc.
Are there any Tasks that you will do now?!
- Add ASPCA Poison Control Phone Number to your list of Contacts
- Add your local Veterinary Emergency Hospital phone number(s) & directions into your phone
- Check your home/surroundings for potential toxins and harmful items to your dog
- Checkout the ASPCA page for 'APCC': Animal Poison Control Center: https://www.facebook.com/aspcaapcc/
Source:
ASPCA Poison Control: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
American College of Veterinary Pharmacists: https://vetmeds.org/

'Chesapeake Bay Retriever Love' group is the home for Raffie's posts

Chesapeake Safe Harbor

03/24/2026

11/30/2025

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