P.A.W.S. Cause

Sixteen puppies and three adult dogs received a very special Christmas gift this year, albeit a day late.
They received a second chance.

 

On December 26th, PAWS Animal Shelter received 19 dogs and puppies rescued from shelters out of Kentucky and southern parts of Illinois and Indiana. Overcrowding at these shelters and a constant influx of animals led to a desperate situation and a plea for help. An immediate response by PAWS to assist meant that these dogs would have their only chance to find a loving home.

During blizzard conditions, PAWS volunteers and various other agencies anxiously awaited the arrival of the transport truck. The truck was packed with such precision that every inch of available space was used to bring up as many dogs as possible. Dedicated volunteers drive long hours stopping along the way to pick up dogs in need.

PAWS volunteers waited as dog after dog was unloaded until finally, it was time to take our dogs. Well, sadly, things don't always go as well as you hope and pray they will. Upon arrival at the shelter, a number of the puppies seemed ill. Tests confirmed that one of the pups tested positive for the parvo virus which meant there would most-likely be more, and there were. As shelter workers know, the mere mention of these words can wreak havoc on a shelter.

Six puppies were immediately taken to the emergency vet where they were examined, treated and hospitalized. A number of the puppies spent over a week in the hospital with even more to come down with the virus in the coming weeks. Sadly three of the rescued puppies succumbed to the disease. While we were deeply saddened at the loss of these puppies 16 dogs will have their only chance at finding a family to love them.

The recovering puppies are all in foster care with our volunteers and at last report, they were busy escaping make-shift playpens, eating like little pigs and chewing up undisclosed numbers of shoes! But mostly, for the first time they are feeling like part of a family, enjoying (sometimes enduring) tons of hugs and kisses.

Below you will find information on the parvo virus. Please take a moment to read this information - it could literally save your pet's life. We bring you this story and information because of the devastating effect it has had on our shelter both emotionally and financially.

At this time, the shelter could use your assistance with the mounting medical costs associated with the treatment of the parvo virus in 10 of the puppies at the shelter.

Donations to help us offset these bills would truly be appreciated. You can help either by mailing your check to the shelter or by clicking on the Pay Pal link on our website. Please note on your check that the donation is to go to our PAWS Cause puppies.

And remember, these little ones will be looking for a loving home shortly. Please consider opening your hearts to these babies - they have been through a lot and are ready to start their new lives!

PARVO

If you are the owner of a new puppy or dog that has not been fully vaccinated please remember that a happy, innocent trip to a pet store or dog park can be a fatal mistake. All puppies should begin their series of vaccinations by eight weeks of age. Vaccines should be given every two to three weeks until they are 16 to 18 weeks of age, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Parvo is a virus is extremely resistant in the environment and it can remain viable outside a host (puppy/dog) for years. The major route of transmission is through contaminated fecal matter being ingested. Infected dogs shed the virus in their feces for about three weeks. Incubation in a puppy is about 5 to 11 days.

Parvo is a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, usually focusing on the small intestine of a puppy. Once a puppy/dog is infected symptoms can include some or all of the following: loss of appetite, weakness, rapid dehydration, vomiting, bloody diarrhea with a foul odor, and early on a fever with subsequent sub-normal temperatures.

Parvo is a virus that if caught early can be defeated, but prompt intensive care needs to be administered. Treatment includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, medications to combat the vomiting and diarrhea, fluid additives to return electrolytes back to normal, external heat if needed and close monitoring.

Parvo can be a deadly virus striking fast and hard. Even with immediate treatment, the virus can still prove deadly. If your dog experiences any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 

E-mail us at pawstinleypark@gmail.com