their handlers, sometimes worked non stop, full–day shifts, sometimes lasting as long as 16 hours. “A canine medical treatment center
treated as many as 100 dogs per day. The most common injury was cut paws from climbing over shards of glass and steel. After we left, Piper needed medical at- tention to his paws and eyes. Also, it was evident that the awful dust had affected him adversely. He lost some weight, and became a bit lethargic. At this juncture, I believe, the many supplements he took did a lot to bring him back. He got fish protein concentrate every day, along with many other supplements, and after a couple of months, he seemed to be his old self again.” “In 2004 when he was 9, during a
training session at Lakehurst I sent Piper up onto the huge rubble pile they have there. He went up onto the pile, whined, turned around and came down off the pile. I noticed he was a little stiff both climbing up and down. He looked me right in the eye, and I knew it was time for Piper to retire. I said, “Okay, Buddy,” and he trotted back to our vehicle and waited for me there. Soon after, he started to develop topical yeast infections, which were really difficult to combat. Piper’s vet says that his immune system was so compromised by the poisons at WTC that he has very little protection against invading opportunistic organisms. A few months ago he began to develop the early symptoms of Degenerative Spinal Myo- lopathy, but he is such a fighter. He still has that intelligent, wise gaze, and I know he knows I am doing everything I can for him. He needs a bit of help climbing the stairs every night so he can sleep next to my bed, but he patiently waits for me to help him rather than walk away. We go for walks; he swims regularly, and I’m sure he dreams of running through the woods or the rubble, locked on a posi- tive human scent. Sometimes we travel to New Jersey to visit some of his friends, both German Shepherds, with whom he worked at Ground Zero. Incredibly, they, and several of the dogs that worked the site are still in service. “
Rescuing the Rescuer Five years later Piper developed a
MARCH 2007 49
recurrent yeast infection on his belly and chest. His coat became dull. His vet diagnosed immune system issues incurred at Ground Zero. Since then Sonny has been adding a pre-digested, easily-absorbed fish protein supplement, which was originally recommended by the animal nutritionist, C.J. Puotinen, to Piper’s diet. Piper was featured in “The Whole-Dog Journal” in December, 2001 in a cover story about using supplements for dogs that have experienced difficult physical ordeals. This pre-digested, eas-
ily-absorbed fish protein supplement, has been recommended for treating hot spots, as well as wound healing, and digestive upsets.
Submitted by Proper Nutrition, suppliers of SEACURE®, a natural fish protein. For information, visit
www.propernutrition. com. See ad on page 47.
Visit our booth at the Natural Triad Health Fair on Mrach 24.
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