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Episode 58 - MRSA in dogs

58_DogCast_Radio.mp3

Released Sat January 26, 2008
Length: 1:23:11
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MRSA - The Bella Moss Foundation

I stayed at the hospital, I actually bedded down, I know this sounds ridiculous, but I bedded down - it was summertime - on the grass verge, I wouldn't leave because if she was going to die I wasn't going to be away from her.
 - Jill Moss

MRSA is a frightening subject - and now even our dogs are at risk from it. In this show you can hear from owners whose dogs have suffered from the infection, and also where to get information and support. We have interviews with Jill Moss, founder of the Bella Moss Foundation, and also from Doctor Harley Farmer who has spent fifteen years researching and developing products which can help keep us and our dogs safe from MRSA.

Jill Moss and her dog Bella met in an unusual way, but formed a close and strong bond. When Bella was struck down by MRSA, and eventually died, Jill was distraught. She has kept her promise to her dying dog to create a lasting tribute to her beautiful Samoyed companion who was so cruelly taken from her.

In this moving interview Jill talks about how Bella came into her life, how she enriched it, and how she died.

Jill Moss is an incredible example of an individual who makes a stand and makes a difference. From the early days of her campaign, Jill has been determined to educate, inform and support others whose animals contract MRSA and other serious infections. This she has certainly done - since Bella's death in 2004 the foundation which carries her name have helped over 700 hundred animals of various species, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and horses.

To find out more about Jill and Bella visit the Bella Moss Foundation website, and to access information about MRSA visit the Pets and MRSA website.



MRSA - Dr Harley Farmer

I don't have all the answers, all I know is that I've got the only answer that the hospital people now can't refute.
 - Dr Harley Farmer

Doctor Harley Farmer has spent fifteen years researching and developing products that can get rid of MRSA. He has some simple common sense steps that anyone can take to help keep their dogs - and themselves - safe from MRSA.

He also has products, advice and information available at the Newgenn website. To find out how you can keep your environment, your dog's bed and bowl, and even your dog as clean and germ free as possible listen to this thought provoking interview.

Harley has spent years trying to persuade the authorities to accept his methods - which he has proved work on cruise ships and care homes - and has even written a novel to bring his message to the public in general. The message is that we all - including dog owners - have a part to play in beating MRSA, and we have to work together.



MRSA - Owners stories

We also hear from two dog owners who turned to Jill Moss when their dogs contracted MRSA. Vikkie's dog Xena caught MRSA after a spinal operation. Vikkie has turned her experiences into a positive and now helps fellow dog owners by offering Reiki healing.

Sue's dog Maple was diagnosed with MRSA after a leg operation. Sue tells how she, Maple and the team at their vets battled the infection.

Thank you to Jill, Vikki and Sue for sharing their very difficult experiences with us. Let's hope fewer dogs and people will suffer from MRSA in the future.

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