I'm now one (very huge) step closer to working side by side with wildlife, but this time rabies vectors included.  In another month, this girl will be able to take on racoons, skunks, bats, fox, and more!  Maybe that sounds more scary than exciting to you, but for me, it's one giant step towards experiencing a lifetime of excitement and adventures with the amazing variety of wild animals the east coast has to offer.

The preventative Rabies vaccination comes in a series of three intramuscular injections. The first and second are one week apart and the last shot is about one month after the second. (I've got two more to go, Lord help me.) I HATE needles. And that's an understatement. I walked into the Public Health Department for my injection last week, nervous smile,  heart beating like a little mouse, and boyfriend in tow.  No way was I doing this solo...no intense hand holding? No one to make sure I don't hit my head on something when I faint? No one to roll their eyes at me when I start tearing up?  That's not how this Ande gets her shots....There's either a hand to hold or it's not happening.

The injection was actually the best (if there is such a thing) needle related experience I've had. Just a little poke and it was over! I was very pleasently surprised, because I've read about how painful the injection can be. About 12 hours later I realized why it was said to be such a painful injection. For a solid 24 hours, it felt like someone had used that one area of my arm as a punching bag. Can't wait for round two this week! lol

One last note...Because I care about you guys...If you see a wild animal that appears as though it may be injured or suffering from a disease or virus like Rabies, first, take a step back and contact your local Wildlife Center (closest to Jefferson County is the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center-they're awesome). Let them guide you in what you should do. Their guidence can be crucial for your safety and the animal's wellbeing. ALWAYS make this your first step, because if you get bitten by a rabid animal, you have to get a series of five shots AFTER the series of three shots. That's a total of eight shots that all make you feel like a muscley, 300 lb. man used your upper arm as a punching bag. Not to mention, the post-exposure injections that will save your life will also cost you almost $20,000. So be smart!!

First preventative injection down! Two to go. Watch out all you little cute rabies vectors, I'm coming to help rehabilitate you!<3