Greenie related death of my Daschund!!

[Mike Eastwood]

Hello,


Here's my awful story:

8/16/2005
My dog died 3 weeks ago last night from complications brought on by a Greenie lodged in his small intestines. The doctor operated and removed 3 feet of his small intestines (from a mini daschund) as well as the unmistakable "toothbrush" portion of a partially digested Greenie that was the cause of the trauma. Burt never recovered from the operation. 48 hours later he passed away. He loved Greenies.

One of my concerns is that the packaging on Greenies clearly states that the product is completely digestible, yet in addition to my fatality, many people have told me stories about their pet vomiting, getting very sick and even dying from complications apparently brought on by these treats. The one thing that we all have in common is that apparently these treats just don't break down the way that they state that they do on their packaging. In my opinion, this gives us a fales sense of security that once the treat is in the dog's stomach that everything is ok. Clearly it's not. My concern is not over choking on the product, it is with the digestability of the product alone. In our case, we followed the rules exactly: we supervised his chewing, we saw him swallow it with no problems so there shouldn't be any problems, right? Well, my dog is dead. That's a problem.


I have contacted the company and they are doing a full investigation. In fact, they are being somewhat proactive in their dealings with me because of reasons that I cannot disclose at this time. However, let's just say this: Greenies:0 Burt: 1. Add to that, everyone that we have spoken to or consulted with has concluded that we are not at fault. So, where does the fault lie? Perhaps you should ask the company who wants me to quietly go away.

If you have similar stories I would like the hear them as I am looking into all options and actions available to me.

My dog's records are on file at the:
East End Veterinary 24 hr emergency service, Riverhead, NY 11901 Operating Surgeon and President, Dr. Gal Vatash
631-369-4513

Like the other person who has a similar story, I want to know that my dog did not die for their profit. This has and is an awful, devastating experience for me and my wife. We unfairly and unneccessarily lost a family member, plain and simple.

And now my goal is to inform the public of my situation so that other owners can be aware of the potential consequences of these treats and make up their own minds. Don't be sold be slick advertising and positioning. I ask you all to think twice about giving your dogs these 'treats', especially if you have a small dog.

Greenies: your dog can live without them.

Mike Eastwood

PS. Greenies police: please add this email to your growing file on me.