CARE For PETS

C.A.R.E. for P.E.T.S. is a progressive 501c3 shelter intervention organization partnered with Winnebago County Animal Services in Rockford, Il. Our sole purpose is the assist WCAS lower euthanasia rates. We do this through a number of initiatives.There has been a recent epidemic of parvo virus in our community. Typically these dogs are immediately euthanized for, understandably, disease management. Many people properly vaccinate their dogs against this deadly, but some do not for varying reasons including lack of awareness and no access to affordable vet care. Since 8/2, we have touched 5 cases of parvo through our partnership. Mr. Mastiff, we never got his name, suffered and died in the parking lot of a local vet clinic as life savings measures were attempted. This was only 2 hours after he was surrendered for “behavior reason”. 8/3 within 3 minutes of being surrendered, Dior died on our lap, seizing and gasping. These dogs’ attempts of treatment care too late. Parvo is a virus we’d equate to a severe stomach flu. It’s starts with loss of appetite and lethargy and progresses to severe diarrhea, vomiting and fever. If no treatment is immediately sought, death typically occurs by day 3. If treatment is sought immediately, odd of living are significantly increased but come at a cost. What do treatment look like? Supportive care. Parvo is a virus. All that can be done is to keep the dog hydrated through IV fluids, manage symptoms, keep the fever down, force feed through a feeding tube/syringe feed, provide antibiotics and pain management medications. Parvo has to run its course. It’s so severe that intestinal tract is heavily damaged and damaged tissue is excreted. It’s a horrible horrible virus. Right now we are treating Ellie and Hopps. Our medical bills are mounting... to the tune of $5,000. We want to commit to assisting 3 more dogs during coming out of WCAS but we need your help. Hopps cane to us on 8/11. This boy was all tail wags and bounces... but he was parvo positive. We knew in 1 day he’d be down for the count - 5-7 days - but with treatment he has a shot a life. How do you tell a bouncing 9 month old they aren’t worth saving? Please help us in raising $5,000 to assist in treatment of parvo pups coming to us via Winnebago County Animal Services.