During my visit yesterday to the Springfield Prompt Care on MacArthur, I was told that the Department of Public Health could give me the rabies vaccine. I went there this morning and was told that they do not offer the rabies vaccine.
Remembering that the doctor had also told me that Walgreen's carries the rabies vaccine, I returned to the prompt care facility. They wrote me a script for a rabies vaccine. I had to go to the Walgreen's on Koke Mill, as they are apparently a vaccinating pharmacy. They scheduled me to come back at 2:00 PM to get the shot.
I returned home and learned that the shot was not available, as the do not have any in stock. They told me that I could try the hospital Walgreen's, which provides the hospital with its rabbies vaccines. I called the Bayless Building, only to find out that they also do not have any rabies vaccines in stock.
I called the Walgreen's on Koke Mill and told them that I was unable to find the shot. At this point, I realized that I literally cannot get a rabies vaccination in Springfield today. The pharmacists at Walgreen's told me they could order the vaccination. It might be there by Tuesday of next week.
I've since put in a call to Coble Animal Hospital to ask for a professional opinion. I've been reading a lot about rabies, and I've learned that it is highly rare that dogs carry rabies any more. If the risk is low, I'll pass on the vaccination and continue living my life unencumbered by a month's worth of shots.
It seems crazy to me that a person can't get a rabies vaccination in this town.
Oh, and Animal Control has been absolutely useless. Although I've placed two reports with them regarding the incident, they don't appear to be looking for the dog in question, and every time I call there, I am treated like a scumbag for asking if anyone is working on finding the dog. I may have to go out and find the dog myself. Apparently they're incapable of doing their job.
Part of me hopes that I get rabies and die so everyone involved in this situation can feel bad and maybe the system here will change.
Thank God for Michael Scott. Here is a quote from this wonderful, wonderful man: "And that is why I am hosting a fun run race for the cure for rabies. To raise awareness for the fact that there is a cure rabies... a disease that has been largely eradicated in the U.S., but not very many people know that."
Thank you, Michael Scott.
3 comments:
Oh how I love Michael Scott.
Animal Control IS worthless. We used to have a pair of rottweilers (sp) harrassing the neighborhood (no, I'm not a breedist, that's just what they were). Animal control was never interested in coming to corral them because they weren't attacking anyone. Finally, the last time we called, my husband said "yes, they're chewing on my leg as we speak" and they got someone right out.
Good luck with the rabies vaccine. I'll bet the bite hurts.
First of all, the woman who dumped the dog needs to be hauled in to the county jail, finger printed, mug shot, and charged with a crime or crimes. I am just livid over this. She could have at least left the leash on the dog so someone could grab that. Have you checked with the APL (or whatever private animal agency we have in this town)? It is possible someone found the dog and brought her there.
Second, I'm not a breedist (or an anti-Post-ite), but I bet if you were a mail carrier who got bit on his route, animal control would be all over it.
I'm pretty sure you're going to be okay without the shots. When I was a kid I got bit on the face by a stray cat. My mom cleaned me up with peroxide. I never saw that cat again and I didn't get rabies.
Have you seen the movie "Cujo?" If not, don't watch it tonight.
Good luck, John.
I will wear my "Support the Rabid" wristband in your honor.
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