[KimInMD]

Traveling home from Florida, Allie stepped across a small fire ant nest. In literally 2 seconds, they were attacking. My mom (she was walking Allie) swooped Allie up and started brushing then off. Allie wasn't bitten, but mom was bitten badly. Within 5 minutes, mom's arms and hands were swollen to twice their size. She had such a severe allergic reaction. Thank goodness for the iPhone. I was able to locate a local urgent care that was open on Saturday. Mom was given a shot stronger than prednisone, plus prednisone pills, creams and a spray. She is still sick, and very swollen, with nasty fluid filled bumps. She said her arms and hands feel like pins and needles. The doctor said if a little two pound dog was bitten (even once or twice), that the venom very well could have killed her. I always travel with emergency supplies for the pups, but never kept liquid Benadryl in the car. Being uneducated and unprepared could have cost my baby her life. Now I know not to leave home without it. In the 5 minutes it takes to find a pharmacy, it could be too late, especially when traveling, and not knowing where a pharmacy or a vet is located. The doctor said do not use water to get the ants off. It makes them panic and sting even more. Mom is our hero. She really took a big hit for little Allie. I just wanted to make everyone aware of the terrible danger. If anyone else has anything to add, I'd love to learn more about what to do, etc. It was so scary. I like to think I am so vigilant, but danger lurks everywhere! BTW- we finally made it home @ 5 this morning. Thank goodness!