Jan Rasmusen

Hi. I'm Jan Rasmusen. That's me with my two “furry kids,” Jiggy (left) and Chiclet (right). Ten years ago, I was giving them the best care possible -- or so I thought. They ate a top brand of “natural” kibble, were “up-to-date” on their shots and had year-round protection with heartworm and flea meds. I followed advice from my veterinarian, dog groomer and local pet store clerk, never suspecting the harm I was causing.

When year-old Jiggy was diagnosed with autoimmune liver disease, I woke up. Frantic to find a cure, I began writing and calling veterinarians across the country. I quickly discovered that my well-intentioned "care" had likely brought on Jiggy's illness.

You see, everything I knew about dog care I'd learned from someone trying to sell me something. Suspecting that other conscientious caregivers might have been similarly led astray, I decided to share my findings in a book.

I wanted this book to be packed with evidence-based information from multiple sources, free of any conflicts of interest -- and so much fun that people might actually read it. I filled the book with the most wonderful color photos I could buy, borrow or take. My narrator mysteriously chose herself: It was Chiclet, an opinionated four-pound Maltese with a wicked sense of humor and a burning desire to set humans straight.

Scared Poopless is an odd title, I know. But it's what dogs would be if they realized how little their humans knew about dog care.

Writing this book changed my life (and my dogs’ lives) forever. Since publication, I'm proud to say that I:

• Won two national awards and garnered recommendations from the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Wellness Magazine, the Animal Protection Institute and countless veterinarians.

• Conceived and hosted the 2010 Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar, featuring world-class experts and offering veterinarians six continuing education credits while raising more than $50,000 to study rabies vaccine immunity.

• Set up four canine health websites: Truth4Pets.org (all about vaccination of dogs and cats), Truth4Dogs.com, Dogs4Dogs.com and Blog4Dogs.com

• Twice teamed with internationally-renowned veterinarian W. Jean Dodds to protect California dogs from dangerous legislation.

• Had numerous articles posted on online dog health magazines and websites worldwide.

• Co-founded the Pet Vaccine Reactions Facebook page.

• Made a series of nutrition recordings called "How Not to Kill Your Dog or Cat" with well-known veterinarian, Jean Hofve, DVM.

• Served on the Advisory Council of the San Diego Union-Tribune’s pet care magazine: sdPets.

Along the way, Chiclet and I became consumer advocates for dogs. I hope this book helps you keep your dog healthy and safe – and that you enjoy the journey.

All proceeds benefit canine causes.