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My heart is broken. I lost my beloved 6-year-old service dog, a loyal companion and an invaluable aid in my daily life, due to a devastating illness and cancer that may have been induced by mRNA vaccines. I was very clear on our February 12th and March 11, 2025 appointment that I would not condone any mRNA vaccines and was deceptively reassured that the vaccines they were administering were mandated by the state of NC, as well as safe. I was asked to wait in my vehicle while they completed his check up. After receiving an influenza vaccine and booster, my service dog had a consistently runny nose, bowel and digestive issues, along with excessive, abnormal panting and distress. Upon contacting the vet with my concerns, I was quickly dismissed and told it could not possibly be from any of the vaccinations. Fast forward to these last few weeks as we learned our beloved boy, Finnegan developed unexplained hemangiosarcoma of the heart (we cross referenced with our breeder and none of his family members have had this), via an emergency life saving procedure to drain the pericardium of blood. When we informed on normal vet of his illness and asked for further vaccine information such as the manufacturers and lot numbers, they informed us;

1. They are not required by the state to keep record of this information, including where they purchase their medications or vaccines from and                  
2. It would be "impossible" to look into their previous purchase orders to find out.

They also lied and withheld information from the emergency veterinary practice in Wilmington who was trying to administer life saving procedures, stating that there was no dog, owner or phone number related to any patients by our names or data. We have audio recording of these discussions. After a few days, friends of ours (also patients at the same vet clinic) recorded on video conversation that the clinic confirmed they use the Merck (mRNA) vaccinations. For the sake of due diligence, we have cross referenced multiple times with our breeder that no other dogs from his lineage have been diagnosed or have died from cardiac hemangiosarcoma. 

Despite advocating for myself and my service dog, regrettably, my experience was marred by deception. Despite my clear disapproval of specific vaccines, the veterinarian misrepresented the facts, pressuring me into consenting to these procedures. This breach of trust was further exacerbated when the veterinarian provided false information to our emergency veterinarian. 

Unfortunately, I am not alone in this tragedy. It is a fact that certain vaccinations can carry risks, and as pet owners, it is our right to be fully informed about the potential effects these vaccines may have on our furry family members.

Our pets are more than animals—they are family. They deserve the same protection and consideration as any loved one would receive. That’s why I am calling upon the North Carolina General Assembly to implement laws requiring veterinarians to obtain informed consent from pet owners before administering vaccines. This means providing comprehensive information about the vaccines, including potential side effects, the necessity of the vaccines, and alternative options if available.

Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice. Just as people have the right to understand what is being done to their bodies, pet owners should be granted the same right to understand what is being done to their beloved animals. Without this transparency, we risk exposing our pets to unnecessary harm.

Data from numerous veterinary studies suggest that while vaccines are vital, not all are necessary for every animal. Research indicates that many breeds and individual animals can react adversely to certain vaccines. This highlights the importance of tailoring vaccination plans to each specific pet based on their health, age, and breed considerations. 

By mandating informed consent, North Carolina has the opportunity to lead the way in protecting pets and empowering pet owners with the knowledge they need to make the best decisions for their companions. This essential step will help to prevent unnecessary tragedies and ensure that the well-being of our pets is prioritized in veterinary care.

Finnegan lived and breathed for my existence. My safety, health and welfare were his life purpose and mission. It  is time for our family to fight for him. 

Please honor him by joining me in this critical initiative. Sign the petition to demand that the North Carolina General Assembly enact laws that will protect our pets through informed consent, ensuring that every pet owner receives full disclosure and can make educated decisions about their pet’s healthcare. Together, we can initiate a change that safeguards our beloved companions from preventable harm.

October 1, 2026 at The Salty Turtle in Surf City, NC @ 5PM - Finnegan's Memorial and Fundraiser. Please join our friends and family in remembering Finnegan by attending his memorial and fundraiser.