Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (2024)

Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (1)Sakcham Tiwari |

Oct 10, 2024

In overcrowded animal shelters, many dogs face a grim fate. Ash, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever mix, seemed destined for tragedy. After enduring severe neglect and nearly falling victim to a fatal illness, her future hung by a thread. But thanks to a dedicated rescue organization and a last-minute intervention, Ash’s story took a heartwarming turn that no one saw coming. (Watch video below)

Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (2)

Ash’s journey to safety began in Compton, CA where she was found in appalling conditions at an animal rescue. Animal control stepped in, rescuing Ash along with other neglected animals. Ash had clearly suffered for some time—her feet were swollen, and she could barely walk, suggesting she may have been abused. Despite her rescue from Compton, her struggles were far from over.

Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (3)

Escaping One Nightmare Only to Face Another

After being removed from her terrible living situation, Ash was taken to Downey Animal Care Center, a high-kill shelter notorious for its overwhelming intake of dogs. Due to her dark-colored fur—a trait that often makes dogs less likely to be adopted—Ash was overlooked and placed on the euthanasia list. Her life was further endangered when she nearly contracted strep zoo, a fatal respiratory disease rampant in shelters. (Watch Video Below)

Just as hope seemed lost, When a member of FurryTail Endings, a rescue organization based in Southern California, met Ash in her kennel at the shelter, their heart melted. Ash was full of life and hope even after everything she had gone through, which is why the rescue decided to do everything in their power to save her.

Ash’s fortune improved dramatically once she was brought to the rescue’s ranch. For the first time, she was pampered and loved, experiencing the joy of freedom and care. Despite this new chapter, finding her a permanent home proved challenging. She became the longest resident at the rescue, attending multiple adoption events where interest in her always fell through.

But Ash’s patience paid off when Alexis, a Massachusetts resident, came into her life. The pair formed an instant bond, and Ash was finally adopted into a loving home. Now living in Massachusetts, Ash enjoys exploring hiking trails and lakes with her new mom, Alexis, who couldn’t be happier. “Sweet Ash was the missing piece in my

Ash Finds A Doting Parent

Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (5)

Ash’s life turned around when she came to the rescue and was fostered at their ranch. She was happy and spoiled, probably for the first time in her life. However, one thing still remained in assuring the best possible life for the dog–finding a forever home.

A fan favorite at several adoption events, the interests always fell through for Ash. Soon, she became one of the longest residents at the rescue, until she found her perfect match in Alexis. She has found the most loving parent a dog could hope for.

Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (6)

Ash and Alexis now live in Massachusetts, where the dog and her mom explore wonderful hiking trails and lakes together. Additionally, the furry friend is making new friends at the dog park.

FurryTail Endings shared the great adoption news on their Instagram, which received a comment by Alexis, the dog mom herself. She wrote, “I’m grateful that I get to now give her the life she deserves but didn’t get to have before. Sweet Ash was the missing piece in my life! I’m so excited for all of our adventures to come! 💕”

Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (7)

Also Read:
Dumped When He Needed Love Most—See How a Pitbull Fought Back Against a Deadly Disease Called Valley Fever in Dogs

Ash deserves to be pampered after everything she has gone through including almost contracting strep zoo, a deadly disease. But what is strep zoo exactly? Let’s find out.

What is Strep Zoo in Dogs?

College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida Health (UF Health) claims, “One of the most feared causes of canine respiratory disease in animal shelters is the bacterium Streptococcus zooepidemicus” (strep zoo).

Strep zoo in dogs is a highly contagious and frequently fatal respiratory illness and in recent years, it has been linked to multiple outbreaks of hemorrhagic pneumonia in dogs, as per a study from the National Library of Medicine.

In addition, this bacterial infection is not commonly found in healthy dogs. Researchers involved in the study suspect asymptomatic carriers may introduce it to dog populations, leading to rapid outbreaks in kennels. More research is needed to understand its prevalence and transmission.

Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (9)

Strep Zoo Symptoms in Dogs

According to Riverdale Animal Shelter, some of the common symptoms of strep zoo in dogs include:

  • Sneezing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Lethargy (lack of energy)
  • Fever
  • Vomiting

If left untreated, the disease can severely damage lung function, leading to bleeding and fluid buildup in the lungs, making breathing even more difficult.

Kristen Auerbach is the director at Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Arizona, where a dog died due to a confirmed case of strep zoo. She stated, “Infected shelter dogs are often found in the morning, lying deceased in a pool of red after they ‘bleed out’ from their lungs. Often these dogs appear healthy just hours before dying.”

Strep Zoo Diagnosis in Dogs

As per SEAACA Animal Shelter in Downey, California, strep zoo diagnosis involves collecting nasal or oral swabs for PCR testing or bacterial culture or submitting animal tissue samples to laboratories for analysis.

Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (10)

Research shows that dogs infected with strep zoo often have abnormal bloodwork results, including:

  • High levels of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell)
  • High levels of monocytes (another type of white blood cell)
  • Low levels of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell)

These changes indicate inflammation caused by bacterial infection.

Strep Zoo Treatment in Dogs

If you’re wondering, “Is there a shot for strep zoo in dogs?” there is no vaccine for strep zoo in dogs yet. So, the only treatment for strep zoo is prompt antibiotic treatment “if caught early enough in most cases,” according to the Wisconsin Humane Society. Any delay can lead to sudden and fatal outcomes.

The strep zoo incubation period is typically less than a week, but infected dogs can transmit the disease to others for several weeks after initial infection.

Also Read:
Abandoned in a Swamp, This Starving Dog’s Response to Her Rescuer Will Melt Your Heart

Dog Survived Abuse, a Kill Shelter, & a Deadly Disease—What Came Next Will Melt Your Heart… - Rocky Kanaka (2024)
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