The persistence of canine influenza has put Alive Rescue in a bind.
Alive recently took in five dogs, all owner surrenders, from an animal control facility. Within a day, two of the dogs began showing signs of being sick. Treatment was initiated, but it was too late. Now, 13 of Alive’s dogs have pneumonia and/or canine influenza, and the organization is trying to keep up.
In an email, Alive founder Kristen Geraldi said that all of the dogs are getting nebulizer treatments twice a day, and all are on two or three types of antibiotics.
“Many have been hospitalized in order to receive IV fluids and injectable antibiotics. Two have been admitted to the ER. Many won’t eat unless we hand-feed them.
“It’s heartbreaking to watch. Every shift, I walk into the barn and immediately hear how sick everyone is. They all are still so happy, and we are grateful we were able to save the five we did from animal control, but it’s definitely been a kick in the gut.”
Geraldi also made note of the yeoman efforts of Alive’s volunteers, who have been handling the nebulizer treatments, cleaning and bleaching the shelter, transporting dogs to the vet and hand-feeding the patients.
“I would be having a nervous breakdown if I didn’t have your help,” she wrote.
To help cover the extra costs of treatment, the Little Barn Patient Fund has been set up. Donations can be made at youcaring.com/thelittlebarnpatientfund.
Canine influenza reached Chicago in the spring and caused the suspension of adoptions and releases at several facilities, as well as the cancellation of events that brought together groups of dogs. The area seemed to be over the hump by the start of summer, but there are recent reports that some clinics in the city are seeing a few cases. There also has been an increase in the number of kennel cough patients.