I am shocked and saddened by the story of Chai, a 10-year-old lab mix, and his owner, Daniel Rechelbacher, who is not only trying to make a better life for his dog, but also hold a corporation accountable for a serious, grievous and potentially deadly wrongdoing. 

I’ve excerpted the story from Daniel’s blog, in the hopes that not only will other dog owners avoid such a devastating incident, but also that more people will join in the fight against Four Paws:

“On Sunday, June 22, 2008, Chai, sustained a severe injury from a product that the company Four Paws Inc, produces. The toy I’m referencing is the pimple ball with bell. (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9)

While chewing on the toy, a vacuum was created and it effectively sucked his tongue into the hole in the ball. From speaking with my vet, this likely occurred because there is not a second hole in the ball preventing the vacuum effect from happening. I became aware of this when Chai approached a friend at my home whimpering withthe ball in his mouth. She tried unsuccessfully to remove the ball but the tongue had swollen and could not be released.

Chai was taken to the Animal Medical Center (an emergency care facility in New York City) and was treated by Dr. Nicole Spurlock to have the ball removed. Because the size of the opening on the ball was so small, all circulation to his tongue was cut off. The doctors had to sedate him in order to remove it. Once the ball was removed, his tongue swelled to the point that he could no longer put it in his mouth. Chai was sent home with care instructions and to be observed overnight for any changes.

By the following morning Chai’s tongue had swollen even more.

He was taken to his regular vet, Dr. Timnah Lee, for treatment. He was admitted and kept sedated for a period of three days during which time they were treating his wounds and waiting to determine how much of his tongue could be saved. On June 26, 2008 Chai had his tongue amputated.

He was kept in after-care for an additional three days. On Sunday June 29th I brought Chai home from the vet witha barrage of home care instructions, to last for an additional 7 days. His next visit was to have his mouth re-examined and have the feeding tube in his neck removed.”

When Daniel stopped at Petland Discount, where he purchased the offensive product, the manager met Chai and immediately removed all of the balls in question from the shelves. (He also gave Daniel the customer service number to their corporate headquarters to request that they refuse to continue purchasing all Four Paws products.)

Daniel’s veterinary bills have surpassed $5,000, and Chai now requires a much more expensive form of food because of this injury, averaging approximately $200 per month. Daniel has also been impacted career wise, as he lost a great deal of business during Chai’s after care. In addition, there have been two other documented incidents similar, one in which the dog died as a result of the injuries.

Daniel is not only taking on Four Paws in court (you go, Daniel!). In addition, Daniel’s story and efforts have already resulted in the recall of products (although the company is not doing much to notify the public at large). 

Keep up to date on Chai’s progress and Daniel’s court case here. And thanks, Daniel, for being the dangerous dog toy watch dog.

Tags: Chai, Daniel Rechelbacher, Four Paws

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