Poisoned dog is a painful loss for family

To the Editor:

Our family lost a loved pet dog to poison in Girdwood this week. Our adult kids called us out here in Hope from Girdwood around noon in tears, having spent the night and all morning watching their pet suffer through a severe bout of poisoning. The pet had left their yard for a brief tour of the neighborhood, and came home very sick. Having talked with a veterinarian, the consensus was to take her in to the Anchorage Animal Control and have her put out of her pain.

Upon arrival, the on duty Veterinarian urged us to take the pet home and give her another night to try to survive the ordeal. With great misgivings, we brought the pet home, wanting to give her every opportunity to live. If any of you have seen the progression of a poisoning, it is the most horrible thing you can witness a loved one go through. The little pet did not make it, and we buried her today. We want to urge everyone to please put away the D-Con rat and mice poison and keep your antifreeze safely stored and disposed of. Only two tablespoons of antifreeze will kill a medium sized dog. It is not something you want your grandchildren to watch.

Kent and Melanie Bowman
Hope, Bowman's Bear Creek Lodge