Lyme

I don't know where these ticks are biting me that I can't see them.

Here is the stupid little b*st*rd that bit me. I sent it to the Northeast Wildlife DNA Laboratory to be tested for Lyme and other diseases. It turned out, this guy was clean. He didn’t carry a single illness.

Since my Western Blot test came back positive, that means a different tick bit me, unnoticed, and gave me a fresh dose of Lyme. What mystifies me is, I’ve seen engorged ticks on my pups. They are visibly noticeable even on a dog with shaggy fur. How can I possibly keep missing these things when they bite me?!

Out of curiosity I looked up whether it is possible to get Lyme another way, but it looks like no. A statistically significant number of people who get Lyme, though, never knew they were bitten.

The moral of my story is: ticks suck. No wait, the moral of my story is that even if you tuck your pants into your socks or have your ticks tested, you still might miss the one that “got” you.

Why don’t you get protection like I’ve got? Then you’ll be safe!

(As a funny side note, my blog is more popular in China than it is in the US. I wonder what they are learning by reading humble Bitey Dog?)

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Find out what Murphy’s Cairn brothers are up to when no one is looking as you travel with them to the Museum of the Imagination in Dream Our World .

Inside the museum, Geordie and Toby view the world of art from a canine perspective while enjoying a day of unsupervised fun. There are many hidden gems inside Dream Our World, and it is a joy for all ages. Treat yourself to a read that is both fun and educational!

Dream Our World, and other fine gifts, are available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

Adulterated, borrowed image.

Yup. For the third time in four years I have this stinking disease. (The national average is once.)

Here’s the little a**hole that gave it to me. When the doctor asked if I knew how long the tick had been attached, I lied and said I didn’t. Conventional medical wisdom says it takes 24-48 hrs to transmit. This was on me 20 minutes. I was afraid if I told the truth I wouldn’t get help.

Of course I started showing symptoms on a Friday and had to wait until Monday to call the doctor. When I called Monday morning, they couldn’t see me until Thursday afternoon. Everyone at the office asked if I had taken a preventive dose of antibiotics. (I didn’t realize that was an option!) If someone shows up for an appointment with a tick bite and Lyme symptoms, doctors are supposed to prescribe a course of antibiotics RIGHT AWAY. Instead this office made me do a Western Blot test which if you’re lucky takes a week to come back with results. Now I’m at more than 5+ weeks with this stupid disease, and have to take the long course of horse pill antibiotics.

Needless to say, Bitey Mom is not a happy camper. Unfortunately, she is too tired to do anything about it.

I’ll be tired with you, mommy!

The Adventures of Bitey Dog

T(r)icked

Third Time’s The Charm