Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • March 3, 2010 Franklin Lakes Mayor’s family encounters rabies scare; caution urged by Frank J. McMahon Franklin Lakes Mayor Maura DeNicola and her family recently had a rabies scare when DeNicola and her husband Phil noticed that one of their two dogs, a German Shepherd mix named Kayley, was locked in an encounter with a raccoon. They grabbed garden tools and rushed to separate the animals, but the rescue proved too late for the raccoon. DeNicola noted the rise of reported cases of rabies in animals in this area and acknowledged that interacting with wildlife is routine for people in Franklin Lakes and an almost daily event for the pets who live in that town. “Our family is no exception,” DeNicola said. “Our two dogs can often be seen in our yard chasing squirrels, chipmunks, and early morning deer from our lawn. So, it wasn’t unusual to see Kayley running around the shed with her nose to the ground,” DeNicola said. “A few minutes later, however, it was apparent that she was locked in an encounter with a formidable foe: a raccoon… My husband Phil and I bathed the dog, assessed her injuries, and took her to Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital for much needed triage. Our son Paul cleaned up the remains of the raccoon, the signs of the battle clearly marked in the snow.” DeNicola called the police, and they in turn contacted the borough’s animal control officer who soon arrived to pick up the raccoon. She said a few hours and a booster shot later, the dog was sleeping in the kitchen, patched up and exhausted. “It was five days later when I was contacted by the county with the news that the raccoon was rabid and questions about saliva, unprotected hands, and contact with both animals led to what we never imagined would start off our year: a series of rabies shots for myself, my husband, and my son Paul,” DeNicola added. In early February, the DeNicola’s visited Valley Hospital for their last round of shots and, although she said the series was painful, she said they would be the last to complain because, without treatment within as little as three Helpful Hints Helpful Hints from ome “Plug your laptop’s A/C adapter into a power strip that can be turned off. The transformer in the A/C adapter draws power even when the laptop is not plugged into the adapter.” weeks of exposure, rabies can be fatal to humans. She and her family are fine now, but she wanted to share this experience with the public because it happened so quickly and they, like most pet owners, intervened for their dog without hesitation, and without proper protection for themselves. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services report for 2009 indicates that there were 13 rabies cases in Bergen County with eight involving raccoons, three involving skunks, and two involving cats. DeNicola said the number of rabies incidents may not seem large, but the effect an encounter can have on a person and his or her family could be great. “Be aware of animals exhibiting signs of rabies,” DeNicola urged residents. “Information for children can be found on the Centers for Disease Control website, and, if such an animal is seen, the Franklin Lakes Police Department or the Franklin Lakes Board of Health should be called right away. “One of the wonderful aspects of Franklin Lakes is our environment,” DeNicola mused. “As we work to protect and maintain it, we also need to protect ourselves. So continue to take good care of your pets, but don’t forget to take good care of yourself, too.” Pat Says... Music students plan Cabaret Night “Cabaret Night 2010” will be held at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes on Friday, March 5 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The evening will feature the talents of the Ramapo Jazz Band, and the vocal and instrumental stylings of students, faculty, and parents. Gift baskets and contests will be included. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students; eighth grade students and children under age 10 are guests at no charge. Admission includes all refreshments. Cabaret Night is hosted by the Ramapo Music Parents Association. This is the largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds support all Ramapo music students and help provide awards and scholarships. 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