Last week at HAWS we were excitedly gearing up for our 25th Anniversary Pet Walkathon on Saturday when...WHAMMO!
Streptococcus zooepidemicus bacterium.
It was a small bit of a relief getting word of the exact name of the mystery illness that took the lives of 7 dogs in our shelter. We only had more questions: Were the 2 dogs who were alive but showing symptoms going to make it? Did we find out the treatment protocols soon enough to contain the illness from the rest of our dogs? What else do we need to do? How do you educate everyone about something that's still very much unknown?
Meanwhile, Bella and Raymond were not doing well. Our kennel lead was occasionally making disruptive noises outside of Bella's cage - to roust her awake and "make sure she was still with us." When you are used to hearing barking and being greeted by jumping and general canine excitement, it is devastating to see a dog that doesn't even have the energy to lift its head to acknowledge you.
What else could we do but administer meds, clean, wait, and hope?
On Sunday morning our caretakers first started noticing a marked improvement in Bella and Raymond's conditions. We knew they were holding steady once the first meds were given, but the wagging tails on Monday morning were just what the doctor ordered.
Bella and Raymond were outside today for photo ops with the local media.
It has never been so great to get doggy kisses.
By the way - HAWS is still OPEN - the only part of our facility that is on restriction is the dog kennel. Please stop in - especially if you are looking to adopt a cat, rabbit or other small animal. We are also gratefully accepting any donations to get us through - bleach, money to cover medications and tests...thanks in advance for your help!
