The Whelan's

Richard and Elizabeth both have just started the rabies shots ritual as they were both bitten by a raccoon. He wasn't evil and hopefully not rabid but they still can't take the risk. Richard got the initial 7 shots and Elizabeth got 5. They have to go back in 3 days for another series of shots and then again in 7, 14 and 28 days. In all they will have between 21 and 31 very large and very painful injections. I had a hard time being with Elizabeth because those needles were huge.

No more feeding the raccoons. We leave food and water on the deck for one of our cats that wont stay in and the raccoons come at night and finish it off. Unfortunately Elizabeth wanted to give him fresh water, while he was eating and it bit her. Richard did the same they a few days later. We found out about Elizabeth only after Richard got bit because she was afraid to tell us because she didn't want the shots. However when she heard us talking about how there is no cure if the symptoms begin she started to cry and admitted that she had gotten bit too. I was a wreck. I know there is a small window of time that you have to get these shots and I was horrified when she told me. Off to the emergency room and straight into a room. We also had to fill out a police report, health department report and animal control report. Craziness.

But on a brighter note, after receiveing these shots you are immune for life ( so I have been told).

He is a picture of RJ. The window is dirty because he uses his hands to wash his food and then scratches on the glass if he needs more food.The raccoon we have been feeding for over a year but sorry big fellow...you are now on your own.