Pet Food Recall: Trail of Tears

Live Holistically is a multi-author site.
This post was written by: Gailstrail

Symptoms Associated with Contaminated Pet Food

A work associate asked me recently if I knew the ‘symptoms’ associated with the contaminated pet food. I had to think about it for a minute. I’ve always prided myself in making sure my Pieper gets food from a quality source. So, I hadn’t given the issue much thought lately. Anyway, I said I thought it had to do with kidney failure. In the back of my mind, I thought the issue had been resolved and decided I needed to catch up on what’s taken place over the last five months.

The More I Read about the Pet Food Recall

the more my own fear about what caused the death of my sweet angel beast Annie Oakley comes to light. After reading hundreds of articles; I believe I unknowingly poisoned Oakley. She died in my arms on September 16, 2004 at 11:40 A.M. She had always been healthy. Plenty of exercise. Good food. She grew up on AvoDerm. However, now that I think back, I had switched her to a different food a few months before she developed kidney failure. Was it Nutro or Balanced something. I can’t remember…and I certainly can’t prove the foods were tainted. The thought of having an autopsy never occurred to me.

I Feel Your Pain

My vet said Oakley’s kidneys were completely shut down and there was nothing that could be done. I asked Karen to come to my house to euthanize Oakley. I remember when Karen arrived, Oakley managed to wag her tail. Then, I watched her slip away. It was the saddest day in my life. As I write, my eyes still burn and fill with tears…I loved her so.

For Oakley

You lay so calm. So peaceful. So brave.

Did I hold you close enough?

I watched as Karen shaved your paw.

I watched her tie the band around your leg.

I watched as she slid the needle into your vein.

I watched the fluid enter.

You turned your head and laid it down as if to sleep.

My hands caressed you every second as you quietly slipped away.

Your eyes closed. You sleep. You rest. So calm and brave.

Not one shutter or movement. Sleeping as an angel. You felt no pain.

I’m glad for you. No more suffering in your silent way.

My heart dies a little with you and travels with you.

I take heart knowing we will never part.

Why then everywhere I look you are gone.

A sound outside. I could swear it was you.

I keep listening for you.

I had a lot more to say about the Pet Food Recall…but now as I remember Oakley, I know my sadness is multiplied a 1000 times by those who have had to lose their loved one. I feel your pain.