Today's column -- about the Rabies Challenge Fund finally having enough raised enough moolah to begin actual vaccine trials to prove that the rabies vaccine is good for five, even seven years -- is making the Internet rounds.
In the piece, I mentioned that I revaccinated my 7-year-old dog, albeit reluctantly, this weekend, because she was due for her rabies shot. What I didn't mention is that owners of dogs of any age who are ill or otherwise medically unsuited to be vaccinated can apply for a waiver from their muncipality.
The advantage of this is that with a waiver, you are not breaking the law. The disadvantage is that if your dog does bite someone, and the bitee is insistent about making sure your dog is tested for rabies, that is for all intents and purposes a death sentence, as in order to diagnose rabies, the brain must be examined.
