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Allergic to Dogs? - bb archives p.16

Oct 2005 - Nov 2005
by last post in the thread

 

  bullet"Allergic to Dogs?" discussion board is about humans being allergic to dogs. These are the archives. Any message posted on the "Allergic to Dogs?" forum expresses only the views of the author of the message and does not necessarily reflect the views of the board administrator. For the current discussion board, see the links on the left.

 

Heartbroken but hopeful...
Nov 5, 04 - 6:50 PM Never again will i give up a doggie, should our family even consider a non-shedding like the Coton d


A big spot in our hearts and home is empty. A very painful decision that took over a year to make was finally done. Our beautiful chocolate Lab was placed in a loving home due to our daughters worsening allergy.

Before we got our dream family dog, our girl was tested for allergies as a baby and tested negative to dogs at the time. She had eczema and was therefore tested for allergies.

After about 7 months of having our pooch, we started noticing that our daughter developed hives every time he licked her. We didn't think too much about it figuring that maybe he ate something that made her react. Then one day we took him to the kennel to board him overnight as we were doing major yard renovations.(We figured he would be safer and happier without gates opening and closing not to mention dump trucks in his yard!) My daughter came with me to see off our doggie at his first kennel sleepover. Within minutes of being in the kennel, she couldn't breath through her nose, it was swollen and red. She was in a panic.

I raced her to the doctors within 10 minutes and he gave her some inhaler and confirmed that she was allergic to dogs. He said that she must have developed an allergy and had a full blown reaction with so many dogs in the kennel. He referred us to the allergist again, she was tested and had indeed developed a dog allergy among many other environmental allergies. Stangely, she tested negative to cats. I asked him why since we had 3 indoor cats for years. The allergist explained to me that sometimes (and this is all unproven but new theory)a pre-disposed allergic baby will develop a tolerance/immunity to whatever pet the family has in the house before the baby is born. Had I known this 5 years ago, we would have had a dog before our daughter was born! We aquired our doggie when our daughter was three years old(she is 6 years old now) So, he said it may worsen and told us the standard allergy guidelines. He also said that our daughter now had a 50% chance of developing asthma and having the dog would scar her lungs permanently.

We did all the right things, kept the dog out of her room, ripped out carpets, placed a hepa-filter in her room, mattress covers, medications, ect... We tried giving her vitamins, homeopathic remedy(still trying) but it got so bad, she couldn't be in the family room without having trouble breathing. Her ezcema has never fully healed and has caused her much distress. The allergist will not give her the allergy shots because of her age and types of allergies.

So, we knew that the only best, loving thing that we could do for our daughter and our doggie was to find him a loving home. He was a loved house lab, not a yard dog. Not the type of breed a person segregates from his humans. Not the dog that gets put in a yard because of allergies. He is now a doggie to a wonderful family that lost their beloved 7 year old Burmese Mountain Dog to cancer. He is bringing joy to a boy and girl who don't have any allergies.

Our family has been heartbroken over this, the girls, our boy, my husband and me. The old wonderful habits of having a dog. The morning, afternoon, evening, night. The times I catch myself crying,I miss him so much.

We Never want to go through this type of pain ever again. There are however well meaning friends and family that keep telling us that there are non-allergenic dogs. It doesn't help that I keep searching the internet on a low shedding, asthma safe doggie! We are getting our hopes up but the allergist said that a "non-allergenic dog does not exist".

Anyone out there who has had a similiar experience or just wanting to offer good, sound advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for listening/reading.
Your Email: patricia2mark@shaw.ca


Dee
Nov 10th, 2004 - 8:42 PM Re: Never again will i give up a doggie, should our family even consider a non-shedding like the Cot

I have had animal allergies since I was about five and I am twenty now. If a dog, cat, horse, whatever animal it be licked me, breathed on me, or was basically around me my skin got itchy, eyes watery, chest tightened, runny nose the whole thing. I basically couldn't go to a friends house that had animals because they would send me home cause I couldn't breathe. My worst reaction to any dog was to a cocker spaniel, it was almost instantly from the time I walked in the room with him that my chest tightned and then it just got worse.
I have learned how to deal with my allergies and have been wanting a dog. I researched online and found out about dogs they say are hypo-allergenic. Yet there are no dogs that are officially that way there are some dogs that shed less and are not as big a threat to allergy sufferers. I was looking for a small dog so I was thinking about a maltese or a bichon frise. So I went to the pet store and asked to see both kinds. I held them both, let them lick me, scratch me, jump all over me for about thirty minutes. Other than the normal reaction my body had to just being in the pet shop I was fine, no extra sniffles or tightening of the chest. It was absolutely awesome. We recently bought a bichon and he is the most awesome lovable, laid back puppy we could ever imagine. My allergic reactions to him are minimal. If he licks my neck it will become itchy and my normal allergies that I have in the mornings are a little worse.
It is a success for me, I get to have a puppy like I never thought I would be able to. It is awesome. I would just recommend being around different kinds of dogs to see the different reactions. I believe different breeds of dogs affect people differently.
Your Email: deeannbrown2328@yahoo.com


pups for allergy sufferers
Nov 10th, 2004 - 8:57 PM Re: Never again will i give up a doggie, should our family even consider a non-shedding like the Cot

I was searching around and there is a website that has puppy mixes for allergy sufferers. www.pups4kids.com.


Heartbroken but Hopeful
Nov 13th, 2004 - 10:49 PM Dee, regarding a Bichon?

Thanks for sharing your experience. Quite a few people I know and have spoken to seem to all say the same thing about the Bichon, Poodles and Hairless. But more people I know with allergies have the Bichons and Poodles, some pure bred and crosses.

It's just wonderful to hear you're success in finally being able to have a Doggie. It gives me hope that even if my daughter doesn't outgrow her allergies, she could have a dog that will, at worst give her minimal reactions.

The type of,(dare I say) non- shedding/hypoallergenic breeds I have come across in reading/talking to people seems that the Bichon type would suit our family. We have a choice with also the Bichon cousins like the Maltese, Havanese, Bolognese and Coton De Tulear. I guess the "hair" is similiar amongst them as they may share a common ancestry.

We are favoring the "hair" type because of living in Alberta, Canada. It gets mighty cold here in the winter (-30 degrees C) then heats up to +30 degrees C on many hot summer days. The weather is extreme and dry! I guess that didn't help our Lab that would blow his coat twice a year and have the continual shed. The dryness here probably contributes to a lot of animals having dryer skin as well. It wreaks havoc on human skin as well. Maybe my daughter's skin would heal easier being in a humid climate. Well anyway, weather reasons and house cats with claws has steered me away from chancing a hairless breed.

We are going to be completely thorough in testing the breeds before ever getting a pup. Like you, we took our daughter for the "lick test". The breeder specializes in Coton De Tulear's(her newest addition), Havanese, and Shih Tzu's. Our daughter didn't react as badly as she did to our old Lab, so breed does seem to make a difference. But the licking doesn't worry me so much as the congestion. That is why there are also two of my daughter's pillow cases at different breeders. One pillowcase is in the crate of a Coton De Tulear, the other is on it's way to a Havanese bed.

So hopefully in a month's time, I too will have good news to share. These are the first two types of breeds we have tried since our heartbreaking separation from our beloved Lab. I guess only an animal lover can truly relate to not being able to have a bustling bundle of a faithful furry friend as part of the family.

Well here's hoping...
Your Email: patricia2mark@shaw.ca


Heartbroken but Hopeful
Nov 13th, 2004 - 11:12 PM Re: pups for allergy sufferers

Thanks for the website address. I took a quick look at it. It's unfortunate that we can't do the allergy test with our daughter and the pup before deciding(bringing him home). At least I don't think so, I have to e-mail them to ask. I just don't know if anyone can know for sure about dog allergies as it seems every one is different and reacts to different breeds with various reactions.

Our family just couldn't handle the heartbreak of sending a dog back, even though there is a return policy in a specific time.
Thank you for your help.
Your Email: patricia2mark@shaw.ca


kita
Nov 17th, 2004 - 4:03 AM Re: Never again will i give up a doggie, should our family even consider a non-shedding like the Cot

HI,iam a mother of two and iam going threw the same thing my son has asthma.I did everything you have done from ripping the carpet out and hepa filters in each room dusting all the time,bathing my dog on a regular basis,sprays ,medication,no shedding pills etc..I know what it feels like to have your heart broken.I have prayed on this so much and I guess I wanted some one to tell me if i was doing the right thing.It's funny how god works, I think I found a home for my 2 year old puppy.I hope this works for my son because he to has ezaema,asthma and allergys my kid is suffering iam at my last rope i cant bare the suffering of my son anylonger(I WANT TO SCREAM HELP)so these are the times we as parents have to sometimes make decisions that hurt in order to help the ones we love.So I tell you.We did the right thing.
Your Email: gorillamoney@cox.net


Heartbroken but hopeful...
Nov 18th, 2004 - 8:50 PM Re: We did the right thing,

Thank you Kita. You are right, this decision was and is extremely hard on all animal lovers. My heart goes out to you. I know what you're feeling but you're being the best mother and dog owner you can be.

You're not keeping a beloved house pet out in the backyard to live out the rest of his years just to keep him. If your dog is anything like mine was, then he was a house pet. Not a yard dog or one that gets segregated to a small, isolated part of the house.

Responsible dog owners picture having a canine companion to grow up with the kids, grow old with, and then the shocker we never dreamed of happens! We try everything, but then reality hits us. To end the suffering of our child, we must do what was unthinkable. But this heartrending decision can be done very lovingly and with great thought (& prayers always help!)

We only listed our dog through a purebred Labrador Rescue Club. He of course wasn't a "rescue" but was placed in the section of "owner placements". This enabled us to have the adopters pre-screened, i.e.,only homes with a fenced yard, knowledgeable of a Labs temperament and have him in the house. Also the organization does house visits and requires them to sign a contract. The contract is so that the dog will never end up in a shelter or be some scientific/cosmetic experiment. There is a minimal fee for listing (10$ Canadian in our case) as much as a newspaper ad but more peace of mind. I think that prospective owners have to pay a fee as well. We initially made up our own contract as a safeguard.

There is a really sad story on why not to list "Free to a good home?" By Michelle Crean, Animal Aid. She advises to charge at least 25$ to discourage resale of pets to laboratories and mentally ill animal "collectors". She also says that some sources suggest charging no less than 100$ for pure-bred dogs(One can always donate the proceeds of the sale of the dog to an Animal Rescue Shelter). Maybe going through a Veterinarian or good friends can be the safest route if a person's pet is of mixed breed.

In our case we didn't have any close friends or family that would have worked out so the inevitable was finding a family that where strangers to us. This made it really hard but the Club and our own contract helped alleviate any big stress or worries in these new owners. We were able to meet them first and then decide for ourselves who was appropriate for our Doggie. It wasn't long, the first was a Police Sergeant who tested our dog for the canine division. Our doggie was great in everything but then lost his concentration in the field. We would of been proud of him and he would have loved the work but I must admit that I was somewhat relieved as there are obvious dangers being a police dog. The second visit we had was with the lovely family that I mentioned in the original message.

I just spoke to them yesterday and our Doggie is doing great! He is a pampered house dog who is jogged daily and has full run of the house (as he should). The new owners don't mind us keeping in contact and sending doggie presents for his Birthday and Christmas. In the spring we plan on visiting him. He lives only two hours away.(We will then hopefully not need buckets to catch all our tears!)

Having a new great home for our Doggie surely makes this experience more reassuring. Yes you will cry. Yes there will be a gaping hole in your heart. But seeing our children thrive, breath easier, and skin healing make it all worth while.

Even though no other home seems to measure up to our standards, take heart. With time, careful checking (and prayers) I feel that you could (or may have) found a wonderful new home for your cherished dog who will bring joy to his new humans. There is comfort in this.

All the best!
Your Email: patricia2mark@shaw.ca


Danica
Nov 25th, 2004 - 2:33 PM PWD"S

HI there, I checked out this site a bit before we got our puppy. My son is asthmatic as well. My husband and I both have allergies (not too bad). We searched for dog's for people with allergies and kept coming up with Portuguese water dog. We met with the breeder, and went to see the puppies 3 days after they were born. My son was a little wheezy and sniffly. WE didn't give up though. The breeder, also a sufferer of asthma and allergies was very emathetic to our plight to get a puppy. WE decided to get her, and have been so pleased. The puppy is now 13 weeks and our son seems to be fine. He had his allergies tested (unfortunatly, after we got the puppy) came back that he is really allergic to cats, and medium allergy to dogs. He told us to get rid of the dog. He said there is no such thing as a dog who is hypo allergenic. Well, we would never argue that, but we do believe that this breed is ok for our son. She doesn't shed, and so far so good. WE've had her for 5 weeks now. The breeder will take her back if things don't work out. I'm hoping that we'd know by now, and we are in the clear. Just thought I'd share our story. We've never considered getting a dog before, because of our son, but now we are so thrilled. She's brought a lot of joy to us already, and we can't imagine life without her now. I really feel your pain that you had to let your dog go. Look up PWD's. You may be surprised. I have a ton of friends in Calgary, btw. Love it there. Take care.
Your Email: Labelle2001@hotmail.com


Danica
Nov 25th, 2004 - 2:35 PM one more thing

I should also mention that we are still mildly allergic to her saliva. If she licks us, we do get a few hives. We don't let her lick us. To me, it's a minor inconvenience.
Your Email: Labelle2001@hotmail.com


Steve H
Dec 8th, 2004 - 11:27 AM Re: Never again will i give up a doggie, should our family even consider a non-shedding like the Cot

We read and hear about so many sad stories like this one... :-(

Doctors only educate people to get rid of the pet, instead of any other real solutions that are out there. The family hurts, the animal hurts and is displaced, and it is sad all the way around...

PLEASE, before anyone gives up a pet due to allergies, check out PetalCleanse from the UK. IT WORKS, like magic. People who have NEVER been able to adopt a pet their entire lives due to allergies and asthma, are now adopting 2, 3, even 4 pets for the first time AS LONG AS THEY USE PETAL CLEANSE WEEKLY.

Check out our web site for more info:
www.Allergic2Pets.com
Your Email: info@Allergic2Pets.com


Kiran
May 31st, 2005 - 4:02 AM Re: Never again will i give up a doggie, should our family even consider a non-shedding like the Cot

Hi friends,
I have had a dog since 3 years. My father had asthma in the past but as it had'nt occured in years we thought it had gone. But now after three years of having the dog my father has suddenly developed advanced small airway disease. Now we have to give our dog away. I really feel helpless about this because no one loved her as much as i did but sometimes you have to do the best you can for the sake of our loved ones. She does not eat, sleep or even sit without me. I do not know how she will survive without me. The other problem is that we have a lhasa apso, and these dogs are very attached dogs. they cannot stay without their owners and often fall sick. I am really in a soup at the moment and am absolutely confused as to what to do.
If any advice please email - kmudnaney@yahoo.co.in
Your Email: kmudnaney@yahoo.co.in


mary shoemake
Jun 26th, 2005 - 3:17 PM Re: Never again will i give up a doggie, should our family even consider a non-shedding like the Cot

I know what you mean about heartbroken...i was never allergic to dogs until 2 years ago...had asthma as a child and allergic to cats,birds and horses..but always had a dog and had no symtoms-then overnight at 42 yrs. of age i couldn't sleep in my own house..started having severe asthma attacks that landed me in the emergency wards/i thought it was due to toxic mold or something not my dog..anyway i couldn't imagine getting rid of my dog(a swiss bernese mountain dog)-named "Nomi"...so we dealt with it best we could,got rid of carpeting,got air purifires,inhalers from Doctors etc..Just last weekend my beloved Nomi was diagnosed with cancer in her lungs and i had to put her to sleep-she was 7 yrs. old...i can't imagine never having another dog..but I may have to settle to having a dog that stays out in the yard most of the time..i can still walk and play with her but I need to keep my house completely dander free-since my allergies are so severe and I'm afraid of scaring my lungs and using inhalers too much-like i have been for the last 2 yrs..I've in vestigated other breeds and even hairless dogs-but people still have asthma problems with those too...wish things were different but I'm trying to be realistic and not hurt myself....It was nice to resd your message,comforting in a way that I'm not alone...Thanks-take care-Mary Shoemake
Your Email: mashoeie@sbcglobal.net


mary
Oct 1st, 2005 - 8:32 PM Re: Never again will i give up a doggie, should our family even consider a non-shedding like the Cot

Dear Heartbroken But Hopeful,
Our 8 yr. old son has had severe eczema, still has environmental, seasonal and dog allergies & asthma. We had a German Shepherd 1 year before our son was born, however, he has so many allergies that we kept the dog. If we got rid of our dog, it would not change our son's medication. This has worked OK for us; I'm not sure if it will work for you. Here's a great tip: Please take your allergic child to a very good chiropractor who can perform chiropractic, kinesiology & accupuncture by laser. This has nothing to do with getting a dog, but you'll be amazed at how your child's health will improve. We're not allergy free yet--- but he's doing very well. Good luck, and God bless you and your family!
 

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Johanna Hulth
Oct 12, 05 - 8:34 AM AHT's in Sweden?

Hi!

Since I am allergic to practically everything from bananas to pets - including their dander, saliva, and urin - I am happy to just have discovered this wonderful and truly hairless breed (AHT's)! Unfortunately, I live in Sweden, where there aren't many hairless dogs around. So far all I have found is mexican and peruvian hairless, as well as chinese crested - and they all have some hair, which make my chances of not having an allergic reaction pretty slim. Now my question is if anyone knows if the AHT's yet exist in Sweden (or somewhere else close to the North Pole )?
Your Email: johanna_hulth@hotmail.com


Kris
Oct 13th, 2005 - 5:11 PM Re: AHT's in Sweden?

Yes, there are AHTs in Finland and Sweden.
See the AHT Links. - AHT Links

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Tara
Oct 17, 05 - 6:33 PM My daughter is allergic to some dog's saliva

My three year old daughter seems to break out in hives when licked by certain dogs but not others. The worst is my parent's Rotty and then she had a similar reaction to a friend's Cockapoo but has no reaction to another friend's Border Collie mix who can lick her all day long with no reaction. She has never has any respiratory or nasal symptoms, just the hives. Since she loves dogs and it doesn't seem to be a problem with every dog, I was hoping someone knew what dogs have saliva which maybe isn't as likely to cause a reaction so that we can surprise her with a new puppy.

Thanks!
Your Email: walsh.tara@gmail.com
AIM: tarawalsh415


Michael
Oct 25th, 2005 - 11:27 AM Re: My daughter is allergic to some dog's saliva

My 2 year old son is allergic to dog dander. Among other reason we bring hom to Childrens Hospital in Philadelphia. The allergists on staff advised my wife and I that the saliva does not contain allergens, however when a dog grooms itself dander is picked up on the tongue. I would suggest having your child tested for dander allergies and speaking with an allergist before experiencing the heartbreak my wife and I went through giving up our golden retriever.
Your Email: mdibuono@comcast.net

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ava
Nov 9, 05 - 8:19 AM divorcing over dogs!

I am deathly allergic to my new husbands 2 yorkies and he refuses to give them up for my health. I suffer everyday with major symptoms (even asthma) and now I am faced with surgery because of permanent nasal blockage. I am immune to allergy meds now and cannot get the shots because we want to have a baby!
I cant live like this anymore. We have tried all the allergy avoiding tricks and nothing works. We have been told by doctors that he must give up the dogs and he refuses. I'm ready to split because I cannot suffer like this. Any ideas?
Your Email: ava@bunnyk.com


Josie
Nov 9th, 2005 - 10:21 AM Re: divorcing over dogs!

That situation is very tough. With your doctor order, nothing works for you. I think you need to stay away from your home for while and you are able to breath better. I am sure your husband might want you back soon as possible. You will have to have disccussion with him at somwhere else like resturant, allergy free home, etc. Please give him time to think about his dogs and how much he really loves you?
I know men don't understand all about allergies! That's why my husband keeps complaining that we could not have any pets included non allergic dogs like Coton de Tulear at all. I have four kids- two of them are asthmatic and allergic to peanuts. My 10 years old daughter is allergic to pet dander, pollens, weeds and dustmites. She started allergy shot last week because she complained that she could not go to uncles/aunts and friend's house that have pets. My 5 years old son is not allergic to anything except peanuts. I hope he will outgrow!
I hope you and your husband will work out soon. Stay in marriage for a while. Good Luck!

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Becky
Nov 10, 05 - 12:08 AM Allergies are getting worse

I've always had mild allergies to dogs & cats....but they seem to be getting worse in the past few years. It's to the point where I'm seriously thinking about taking allergy shots.
Is this common for tolerance levels to fluctuate? (someone told me that allergies change every 7 years) I've never been this sensitive to my pets before.

Thanks,
Becky
Your Email: dndg1@yahoo.com


Josie
Nov 10th, 2005 - 7:45 AM Re: Allergies are getting worse

Allergy shots helps a lot and works so well. I had never had allergies til I started having worst allergy for one year when I was 14. Then I had it for 3 years. I had horses and dog and I had no problem. Now I still have same allergies since 25 years ago. No shot for food allergy at all. If worst, I will have to go back to have more skin tests again! After 3 years of shots, I had not taken medicines for long time til about 10 years later, It came back but same allergies I have. I can go back to get more shots but I can wait because my allergies are not worst yet. I am fine everyday. Remember, allergy shot is not cure!

I think allergy shot is worthy. You will take much less allergy medicines or prescriptions. I still take my prescription once a while- not all the time like a few times a year. The worst allergy I have is mold! Only few times a year when weaher is changed where mold can grow. I hate it!

I am sure it will work well for you if you are allergic to pet dander.
Good Luck!

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Danielle Cohen
Sep 20, 05 - 11:43 AM dog


Hi, I have had asthma since I was a little girl, my asthma is triggered from being around dogs & cats. I had asked around a few years ago what dogs would be hypoallergetic, well I was told yorkies. Wrong!! I went out and bought one for the first week I was OK., then forget it it was bad. So ps I had to give him to my mother. When ever I am at her house its terrible, never mond the itching, I cant breath clearly. Does anyone know what kind of dogs I could have??
Your Email: daniellecohen28@hotmail.com
ICQ: dee


Lori
Nov 10th, 2005 - 12:42 PM Re: dog

I too am allergic to both cats and dogs. I have been all my life. However, I was told that the lhasa apso was a breed that was hypoallergetic. I was skeptical but went ahead and purchased a lhasa puppy. To my amazement it is true! I am not allergic to this breed! I have had the dog for 1.5 years now and it was the best thing I ever did for both myself and my family. They are a wonderful breed. They do not shed or have dander. They need to be groomed and cut by a professional. I keep his hair short in a puppy cut.

Good luck!
Your Email: pradababy@yahoo.com


bunny
Nov 12th, 2005 - 8:02 AM Re: no such thing as hypo-dog

Please believe me when I tell you there is no such thing as a hypo-allergenic dog! Some breeds may have LESS dander or fur, but there is no guarantee. Ive tried many many breeds and I'm allergic to all of them. Some worse than others. I have 2 yorkies and they are killing me. I have had poodles, shiz-tzus, malteses, etc. Allergic! It helps if you bathe them fequently but nothing really worked for me.
Your Email: ava@bunnyk.com

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Garrett
Nov 21, 05 - 3:28 PM My son is allergic and we have a Weimaraner

We just found out that my son is allergic to many things including dogs. I am just wondering how common it is for someone to be allergic to a weimy because breeder told us they are hypoallergenic etc..
Your Email: agarrettil@peoplepc.com


Kris
Nov 21st, 2005 - 5:44 PM Re: My son is allergic and we have a Weimaraner

Sorry. ;o( I have never seen Weimaraners listed as a "low dander" breed.

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Sheila Grana
Nov 29, 05 - 10:11 AM dog dandruff


Your Email: imsheilam@yahoo.com
ICQ: is there an allergy shampoo for dogs. so my grandson wouldn't be allergic


Sheila Grana
Nov 29th, 2005 - 10:17 AM Re: dog dandruff

my grandson has dog allergies. is there a shampoo so hen won't be allergic, or help with it.

 

 

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