Save Puppy Chula & Puppy-Mill Pups!

Dear friends and animal lovers,

We need your help, and we will help you if we can, in return (see below).

The Puppy Scam

Recently, Elisa Wirkala adopted a puppy from a family that had very recently gotten her but claimed to have had a sudden change in circumstances and couldn't keep her. Their children would be very sad, but there was nothing they could do. They asked for a rehoming fee, which seemed appropriate, and had her medical history and vaccination paperwork, a few toys, some food, bowls, and a leash I later realized she'd likely never been on. It was all a show...

The Pup

Within days, Elisa, her roommates and her parents fell in love with this sweet puppy, "Chula", and Elisa thought this little companion would be in their lives for years to come. But soon after, little Chula became lethargic, and struggled to breathe. She was mis-diagnosed by the first vet, and the next day Elisa rushed to an emergency vet clinic who diagnosed Chula with Parvovirus, a lethal disease that kills dogs agonizingly, within days after the incubation period ends. Now, we're raising money to pay for Chula's veterinary treatment, as putting her to sleep just doesn't seem just, and raising awareness via Facebook, Craigslist, flyers and posters.

Chula is a young collie/labrador puppy, who now remains in a quarantined state in Seattle's Blue Pearl vet hospital,  beginning a complex and expensive course of treatment to save her life. With medical treatment, the vets believe Chula stands a good chance of recovering fully and leading a happy, healthy, long life.

Background of Parvovirus (It's Awful)

Parvovirus, also known as "Parvo", is a fatal illness affecting the canine family. It is caused by contact (principally ingestion) with infected faeces, surfaces, fabrics, skin or anything else. Once established, it strips the intestinal tract of its lining, causing vomiting and diarrhea, and eventually the loss of parts of the intestine. The virus enters the bloodstream, attacking white blood cells and damaging the heart muscle and cardiovascular system.

The mortality rate for untreated dogs is very high (over 90%), and proper treatment is expensive, in part due to the need for complete isolation of the infected canine.

The Fundraiser

We were given an estimate of between approximately $2,500 and $8,500USD, depending on how she responds and the length of her hospitalization. We've started this fundraiser at the lower end, in order to begin treatment. We'll increase the target as necessary.

If we raise more money than is required to pay for Chula's treatment, we will donate the difference to an animal welfare fund called Frankie's Friends (https://www.frankiesfriends.org/). We chose this non-profit foundation because they offer grants that help make it possible for animals like Chula to be treated for life-threatening ilnesses.

The "Family" and Puppy Scam

We believe that the "family" was probably aware of her condition, or at best were negligent in their treatment of Chula in her first weeks of life. Based on similar accounts and stories, there exists an unscrupulous class of pet-seller, trading in puppies who are bred without proper sanitation or vaccination, or possibly even forged medical documents. These puppies are immediately exposed to diseases such as Parvovirus, and sold off as quickly as possible, sometimes just days before death, and often younger than is claimed. Based on other listings, we also believe they are trying to sell off Chula's siblings.

Raising Funds & Raising Awareness

First, we believe Chula and other animals like her deserve a chance at life, though the cost is tremendous. The alternative to treatment is euthanasia, as we cannot let her suffer an end by this disease. But this is not an acceptable outcome while the chance of recovery exists. Success rates for properly treated animals are high, and Chula could have 15 years of adventure, play and love to give and receive.

Second, we want to raise awareness of this "sick puppy" trade, which derives profit from the suffering of animals and the heartbreak and/or financial burden on well-meaning new owners. We believe their business model includes getting free/cheap puppies from out of State or in rural areas, and bringing them for sale to the Seattle area, without giving proper care (animal abuse).

We encourage others to thoroughly investigate the source and medical state of potential pets, and report this kind of exploitation to your local authorities and animal welfare NGO's. Please take the opportunity to read this link, and spread the word, even if donation is not possible for you at this time:

Article on Seattle-Tacoma Area Puppy Scams

Another Puppy Bought off Craigslist from Shady Couple Dies of Parvovirus


In the unlikely event we receive more than we need to cover Chula's medical care, or Chula does not recover, we will be donating any remaining balance to a non-profit animal welfare organization.

With gratitude,

The whole household in Greenwood: Tom, Elisa, Drew and Salom (and of course Chula, too)




*Elisa and Drew would like to offer any future help in the Seattle area with house-sitting, gardening, caring for your pets if you're out of town, or donating to your future causes! Please let us know how we can help, and send us your address so our household can mail you a thank-you!