Puppy rescue prompts NB SPCA plea for help
Six puppies treated for parvovirus infections, in quarantine now at Oromocto shelter
The rescue of several sick puppies earlier this month has prompted the New Brunswick SPCA to issue a call for the public’s help - not for potential homes for the dogs but rather financial support.
The animal-protection organization reported last week that one of its animal-protection officers rescued seven puppies, and that the puppies were seriously ill.
“The animals were surrendered by their owner from the Greater Saint John area on Sept. 12 as they were no longer able to care for them,” NB SPCA executive director Lesley Rogers told the Fredericton Independent on Tuesday.
“They had not seen a vet at approximately 10 weeks old and were quite thin.”
The NB SPCA news release indicated the animal-protection officer rushed the puppies to an emergency animal hospital because they showed signs of illness.
Rogers said the pups were taken to the Oromocto SPCA shelter for rehabilitative care.
“The first pup showed signs of illness late Friday, [and] once parvo was confirmed, we sent all of the remaining pups down [to the Port City Emergency Animal Hospital] the next day,” she wrote in an email.
“This quick action and the supportive care at the Port City Emergency Animal Hospital helped the remaining six puppies survive. Sadly, Gator, the first pup to test positive for parvo, did not survive.”
“Parvo” refers to canine parvovirus, which is highly contagious, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association website, but puppies younger than four months old are particularly susceptible.
It affects dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts, it said, and it’s frequently fatal within 48 to 72 hours of the exhibiting of symptoms. It’s spread through contact with infected dogs and contact with contaminated feces, surroundings or people.
Rogers said after several days in emergency care, the six puppies were returned to the Oromocto shelter, where they remain in quarantine for two weeks, with strict cleaning protocols in effect.
The puppies’ treatment is expensive, the NB SPCA release said, and it’s asking for public assistance with the cost of “the emergency intensive medical care,” and with food and shelter to ensure the surviving pups can recover fully.
“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case, we are receiving requests for help from across the province daily,” Rogers said.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so online at this link on its website.
The release noted that the rescued puppies are still undergoing medical care, and as such, the organization isn’t entertaining adoption inquiries or visitors for the dogs at this time.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the donation campaign had raised $3,370.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.
I sent a donation and hopefully anyone reading this will too.