When our shelter partner Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) reached out about a four-month-old puppy named Opal who had tested positive for parvovirus, we immediately agreed to take her. She was critically ill and required intensive medical care to survive. Then came another call. Suddenly, two tiny lives hung in the balance.
There was a second puppy. Doshie — a two-month-old Lab mix — also parvo positive. He didn’t have time to wait. We said yes again.
“The ACC often reaches out to us when they receive a dog with parvovirus because they know we have an amazing facility to care for them,” said Karla Scaramuzzo, Senior Rescue Manager. “I have picked up animals from ACC that were very sick like Opal and have made a remarkable recovery with the care at our Pet Health Centers. It makes me feel so good that we can give these dogs a chance.”
Our Freed Special Recovery Center has achieved nearly a 90% survival rate for parvo patients. This level of care is labor-intensive and costly, but we never turn away a puppy because treatment is difficult or expensive.
“Treating parvo requires around-the-clock medical attention and significant resources,” says Dr. Mark Verdino, Senior Vice President and Chief of Veterinary Staff. “The Freed Special Recovery Center gives us the ability to isolate and treat these highly contagious cases safely while providing intensive supportive care. It truly gives puppies like Opal and Doshie a fighting chance.”
When Opal arrived at our Pet Health Centers she was at death’s door. She was immediately admitted to our Freed Special Recovery Center for IV fluids, antibiotics, isolation, and constant monitoring. She stabilized, but then developed pneumonia, a serious setback. With continued care and support, Opal began gaining weight, developed a strong appetite, and was soon doing wonderfully. Her tail wags a little more each day. And Doshie? After receiving the same aggressive, lifesaving treatment, he recovered and has been adopted into a loving home.
