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Our hearts are completely broken and devastated by the loss of my beloved 6-year-old service dog, Finnegan. He was my loyal companion and an invaluable aid in my daily life. Unfortunately, Finnegan's health began to rapidly decline due to vaccine injury and he later passed from cancer. While we cannot definitively state that the vaccines caused Finn to develop cancer, we know prior to the vaccinations his health was immaculate and the severe inflammatory symptoms only began post vaccinations. 

THE ISSUE:

In the midst of desperately trying to save his  life, the ER vet (Eastern Carolina Veterinary) Dr. Nystrom (the ER vet in Wilmington) went above and beyond locating a university that was willing to perform surgery on Finnegan's heart to remove the entire tumor. In preparation, University of Florida Gainesville required Finn to have a in depth cardiac CT scan as well as a possible pericardial window surgery.  These procedures required Finnegan's health and vaccine records from our primary vet. Upon calling our primary vet, the techs at Eastern Carolina were told that we did not exist as patients and that no vaccine records could be shared or produced. They were also informed that no such account existed under my name or phone number. 

This raised an immediate red flag for the ER and us. In fact, we called all surrounding veterinary practices within the a 1 hour radius of our primary vet and were told this was highly suspicious, considering his illnesses that developed after. Because of this, we decided to dig deeper and were shocked by the layers of deception we've uncovered on behalf of the primary veterinary office, as well as their continued unethical behavior concerning Finn's vaccine records. 

Regardless of where you stand on vaccines, we hope we can all agree on the following - No veterinary practice should withhold any information from pet owners or other veterinary practices concerning the brand, lot numbers, manufacturers and full extent of the vaccine risks. Furthermore, veterinarians should respect each pet owners decision to decline RNA or mRNA vaccines. All veterinarians should be held accountable in the event they knowingly deceive a pet owner into administering vaccines and/or medications they are not required to have. This is our story. 

WHAT HAPPENED?

• During Finnegan's February 12th and March 11, 2025 appointments I was adamant and extremely clear that I would not consent to any vaccines containing mRNA or RNA. Due to my professional healthcare career of 18 years, I have historically been against the Covid-19 vaccinations and now the RNA/mRNA vaccines for animals. 
• I was informed that multiple vaccines such as influenza and rabies were required by the state of NC. 
• Because of my personal stance on vaccines, I requested titers testing for Finnegan. I was denied this right and informed that titers was not possible.
• I was informed that all of the required vaccines were safe. I was not  informed that they were indeed Mercks RNA vaccines.
• I was told it was their policy to wait in my vehicle while they completed his check up. I asked why. I was told it was mandatory. 
• After receiving the  influenza vaccine and booster, Finnegan developed severe runny nose (no matter what activity, his nose would pour liquid onto the floor most days), severe lethargy, cardiac issues, bowel and digestive issues, along with excessive, abnormal panting and distress. These symptoms only became present post vaccination and as you can imagine, this is a horrible predicament for a working medical service dog.
• Upon contacting the vet with our concerns, we were quickly dismissed and told the vaccinations could not be the cause. We chose to be seen elsewhere and also consult with veterinarians within our family/friend network. 
• When we informed on normal vet of his illness and asked for more information on the  vaccines such as the manufacturers and lot numbers, they informed us that;

1. They are not required by the State of North Carolina to keep the following information about their vaccines; where they purchased from, manufacturer information,  brand and lot numbers.
2. It would not be possible for them to look into their own purchase history to find out this information.
3. That Finnegan, myself and my phone number did not exist in their system as patients (this is a lie and we were able to send proof to NCVMB as well as Eastern Carolina veterinary hospital). 

WHAT WE ASKED AND WHAT WE RECORDED ON VIDEO/AUDIO:

• On September 2, 2026, Ryan visited  the veterinary practice in person, asking for the following information multiple times. As they continued to deny the information we requested, the brand manufacturer and whether or not it was the RNA vaccine they administered to Finn, Ryan asked how it was possible for a veterinary medical practice not to know what they purchased. He also asked what would happen if there was a recall and their answer was disturbing. On recording, they state that 
• On September Friday, September 4, 2026 our friends whose dog is seen at the same veterinary office walked in and recorded herself asking what vaccines they used for influenza and rabies. On video/audio, the practice admits they are made by Merck which are the RNA vaccines I vehemently protested to begin with. 

THE QUESTION:

• Why would a veterinary practice push vaccines, then hide this information and all other related information of they so strongly believe it is for the betterment of the animal?
• Why deceive us into receiving vaccines that were NOT mandatory in the state of NC? 

WHAT'S BEING DONE: 

• We've filed a formal complaint against the veterinarian with the NCVMB. The investigation is ongoing. 
• We've created this petition to raise awareness and illicit change. 
• We are consulting with appropriate authorities to hold those accountable. 

WHAT WE NEED:

• Your support. The more voices we have, the better we can advocate for pet families across North Carolina and across the United States.
• Sign, share, comment and share again. 

 

Despite advocating for myself and my service dog, regrettably, my experience was marred by this unfair practice and 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 four legged family members.

Our pets are more than animals—they're our children. 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 AND written 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.