Rescued puppies doing better
Six dogs recovering at Oromocto shelter will be available for adoption, says NB SPCA
When the New Brunswick SPCA rescued a litter of puppies last month, they were skinny, unvaccinated and infected with a potentially deadly canine gastrointestinal virus.
But the animal protection organization reports the surviving six pups are on the mend after weeks of care and medical treatment.
In a news release Sept. 21, the NB SPCA said someone in the greater Saint John area surrendered seven puppies to the organization Sept. 12.
Executive director Lesley Rogers said the 10-week-old puppies were quite thin and hadn’t seen a vet, and it was discovered they were infected with parvovirus.
It’s a highly contagious virus that affects dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts, and it can be fatal within 48 to 72 hours of symptoms being shown.
One of the puppies died, but the other six were treated and then quarantined at the Oromocto and Area SPCA shelter.
The NB SPCA issued a call for financial donations, given the expense of treatment.
In a followup this month, the organization said New Brunswickers came through, donating $6,000.
“The skinny and unvaccinated Ms. Marvel, Lennox and siblings are responding well to their medical treatment,” Rogers said.
“They are out of quarantine and will be spayed and neutered over the next week.”
She noted the six surviving puppies were given names inspired by super-heroes to reflect the strength they exhibited during their treatment.
The puppies’ recovery has gone so well thanks to the efforts of the Oromocto shelter team, Rogers said, officials are preparing them to transition to new forever homes.
“It has been remarkable to see these tiny fighters live up to their superhero names, showing tremendous improvement,” she said. “The public has shown a lot of enthusiasm in adopting them.”
Those interested in adopting should fill out an online form, which can be found at this link.
Rogers said the $6,000 raised through an online campaign and other sources for the pups’ care, food and shelter has been encouraging, but the parvovirus treatment is expensive.
“We are still seeking donations as the total amount required is in the range of $15,000,” she said.
The NB SPCA director said the organization is hoping the community will continue to come through with financial support. People can contribute online at this link.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.