That link to Snopes was just to a DISCUSSION on the site by a couple of people. Not "proved" false or true, just the opinion of a few people. I saw this on another list from an online source where the story is also listed: P.S. I contacted this person to make sure it wasn't a hoax and she assured me it wasn't. She said the vet who operated on the dog is Sandra Tuoninen, DVM in Northern MN and gave me her email address. Her research found that it looks like the chemical is to discourage bacterial growth and is also found in some comforters and bedspreads. My sister was also going to check it out on VIN (Veterinary Information Network), but I haven't heard back from her yet. People can make up their own mind on what they're comfortable with doing. As for me, better safe than sorry!! My dogs have dog toys and aren't left with stuffed animals. Julie Degen _www.caissonkennels.com_ (http://www.caissonkennels.com/) "A well-balanced German Shepherd has a title on both ends!" ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2009. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================