Mia’s Mission

My name is Mia, and I am a 21 lb, Terrier/Spaniel blend.  At the time I met the volunteers at Friends for Life, I was approximately 3 years old, and through no fault of my own I found myself in the shelter system, initially at a facility that traditionally does not have a high adoption rate, where I was spotted by Friends for Life volunteers and plucked to what we all thought would be safety.

Because my vaccination history was unknown, I was given a DHPP vaccine upon intake, but it was too little, too late. I had been exposed to another under-vaccinated dog, prior to receiving my booster, and I contracted Distemper.

I did not begin showing signs of distemper until I was already in my adoptive home.  I fought as hard as I could, and the Friends for Life veterinarians, volunteers, and my adoptive parents did everything in their power to save me, but I lost 1/3 of my body weight in approximately 4 weeks, and I was losing my battle.  On December 12, 2021, the veterinary team helped me to the Rainbow Bridge, where I arrived with my adoptive family’s tears on my face.

The volunteers at Friends for Life committed that losing me would not be in vain, and in celebration of my life, they are expanding the low income spay/neuter program, and the annual microchip-a-thon to include the critical DHPP vaccine and booster, at no cost, for low income families, for as long as funds are available.  They will also be revising their education program to include information on this critical annual vaccine, and it’s importance for the health of all dogs in our community.

Please be a part of my legacy and help the Friends for Life volunteers help dogs, and the families who love them, throughout our community by making a donation to “Mia’s Mission,” the no cost DHPP vaccine campaign.  Your donation will significantly impact dogs and dog lovers by making dogs lives healthier, and providing much needed education on the importance of canine vaccines.  No contribution is too small, and my gratitude will be overwhelming.

I am Mia, please help complete my mission!

Mia | Mia's Mission

Distemper

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic dogs and other animals such as ferrets, skunks, and raccoons. It is an incurable, often fatal, multisystemic (affecting multiple organs) disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV).

The disease is spread mainly by direct contact between a susceptible dog and a dog showing symptoms. Coughing and sneezing can spread the virus over short distances

 It is essential to keep vaccinating our dog population to prevent canine distemper from returning as a major killer of dogs.

*The DHPP vaccine, also known as the 5-in-1 vaccine, includes protection against canine distemper virus, two types of adenovirus (aka hepatitis and kennel cough), parainfluenza, and parvovirus.

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