Animals are turned in to the animal shelter for many different reasons. Being forthcoming about the reason to the staff at the shelter can have a big impact on the animal, and the others being housed there.

Last week, Debbie Dobbs, Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter director, was forced to euthanize 14 puppies and three adult dogs because a pet’s former owner neglected to tell the staff the dog was showing signs of illness.

“We have a sign that says ‘honesty is the best policy,’ ’’ Dobbs said. “The reason for the dog being brought to the shelter will in no way affect that animal’s chances of being adopted, but if the person is not honest about any health problems or behavioral problems the pet may have, they are putting the entire shelter and staff at risk.”

Last week, a 6-month-old Yorkshire-terrier mix was brought to the shelter. Because the dog growled at a handler, Dobbs decided to place the dog in isolation thinking he would eventually calm down. The next day, the dog began to be very sick and Dobbs took the animal to a veterinarian. The animal was diagnosed with parvovirus and was too far gone for anyone to save it.

“Parvo is an incredibly infectious viral disease that is exclusive to dogs,” Dobbs said. “It is transmitted through contact with an infected animal’s feces. Puppies are more susceptible than adults, but all have a much better chance if they are vaccinated against it.

“This person condemned a whole nursery. Had we known that the dog was ill, we may have been able to save the other dogs.”

The worst part is that the other dogs that were being held in the vicinity of the Yorkie had to be put down due to possible infection with the virus, Dobbs said.

“We were running the heaters so there is a big possibility these dogs in the isolation area were already infected,” Dobbs said. “Had I waited the 10 to 14 hours it takes the virus to incubate, I would have been placing the rest of the animals in danger and facing the chance of it spreading to the whole shelter.”

The virus can be carried on clothing, shoes, blankets, doorknobs and through the air. Dobbs and the shelter staff cleaned the shelter with bleach to prevent the virus from spreading.

“Bleach is the only thing that will kill it,” Dobbs said. “Parvo is extremely serious.”

Since the virus is hardy and can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, the staff placed mats soaked in bleach at every entrance. This way, anyone who may have been contaminated will kill the virus by wiping their feet on the mats.

The staff has not only had to work harder to protect the other animals awaiting good homes, but also suffered emotional pain. The staff is attached to the animals that come through the door, Dobbs said, and do all that they can to ensure the dog finds a loving home.

“I helped the shepherd mix through delivery only a few days before all this happened,” Dobbs said. “She had eight beautiful puppies and it felt like such a waste when we had to euthanize them. We all were so upset – and angry. This person could have told us the dog was sick and we would have done everything we could to make it better, but there is only so much we can do.”

To protect a dog from parvo, a simple vaccination is required. It is normally administered to puppies in the first series of recommended shots at the veterinarian. Bloody stool and diarrhea are signs of parvo infection. If a dog shows signs of parvo infection, immediately take it to a veterinarian for an examination.

Source

http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Detail.php?Cat=LOCALNEWS&ID=65929