Common sense knocks out bureaucracy. Film at 11.

Assuming that the Maine Department of Human Services approves the recommendation of an emergency “rabies working group,” a controversial state law may be rewritten as early as October.

The change would open the apparent window for dogs to receive a rabies booster shot from two years to three. It would bring Maine in line with at least 46 of the other 49 states and give dog owners cause for a Saint Bernard-sized sigh of relief.

Kris Christine, a stay-at-home mom from the Lincoln County community of Alna, graciously credits the media for bringing her cause to the forefront.

Meaningful change would have been a daydream, though, if the fallout from a routine trip to the veterinarian hadn’t prompted Christine and her husband, Peter, to do some homework and put dozens of reporters, lawmakers and veterinarians on speed dial.

“Dogs are helpless animals. I don’t care if people thought I was hysterical,” Kris Christine said. “My life has been totally disrupted by this, but I will follow through.”

Perhaps you read about her crusade earlier this spring.

Sad, then angry

The Christines, known in the midcoast area as outspoken opponents of nuclear power, became embroiled in the rabies discussion through the misfortunes of Meadow, their 6-year-old yellow Labrador.

Last fall, Kris transported Meadow to the vet for a biennial rabies booster shot required for renewal of his license in Maine.

Meadow developed an inflammation above the injection site, leading to months of treatment. In April, the lesion was diagnosed as a fast-growing, mast cell malignancy.

The dog underwent lifesaving surgery the next morning, but a pathology report revealed that some dirty cells remain. Meadow’s long-term prognosis is uncertain.

Sadness and soul-searching led to researching, which led to indignation.

Kris Christine learned that rabies vaccines are effective for a minimum of three years. Multiple studies, including an article in a prominent veterinary magazine, suggested that administering the shots more frequently is dangerous.

After her story hit newsstands and airwaves, Christine was deluged with anecdotal information from Mainers whose pets suffered fatal or life-threatening complications from rabies boosters.

Pam Smith of North Bridgton believes that her 8-year-old Labrador retriever, Lucy, may be suffering from lymphoma due to a two-year booster standard that one state official has called a “mass misunderstanding.”

She rejects that notion.

“We continue to be horrified that as good pet owners and following the state of Maine rabies law we were slowly poisoning our dog,” Smith said. “We can’t be convinced otherwise. The number of dogs with cancer that we have seen is staggering.”

Veterinarians on hand

Eleven state officials, including epidemiologist Kathleen Gensheimer and veterinarians Robert Gholson and Don Hoenig, met Thursday in Augusta to address growing concern.

Gensheimer, according to Christine, stated that stray and feral cats were more of a rabies threat to public health than dogs.

“Dr. Gensheimer was exceptional,” Christine said. “She is the first official to step up to the plate and admit that the state had to take responsibility for this and change it.”

Doctors dramatically outnumbered observers at the session. The Christines and their two home-schooled children were the only citizens to attend.

Kris Christine said she received a call on Wednesday asking her to make a statement, then leave and give way to executive session.

After an e-mail to Gov. John Baldacci’s office, she was pleasantly surprised that the discussion remained open. Both Peter and Kris had opportunities to interject and ask questions.

As for celebrations, Christine said she will keep the champagne on ice until any change becomes official.

“Maine’s dog-owning public was well-served by this meeting,” she said. “But I’m not claiming victory.”

Maybe not. But in a world where the many who sit on their hands often yield to the few who count on their inaction, Kris Christine already is a champion.

And the status quo’s worst nightmare.

Kalle Oakes is staff columnist. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].