Puppy at center of distemper scare euthanized
Published: February 25, 2009
Updated: February 26, 2009
CONWAY - The Horry County Animal Shelter is waiting for the test results determining whether a puppy adopted there had distemper before resuming adoptions and owner drop-offs.
The puppy was euthanized by a local vet Tuesday.
Horry County Public Information Officer Lisa Bourcier said Wednesday the shelter is receiving calls from concerned citizens, however, they have not received any calls from anyone saying a dog recently adopted from the shelter is showing signs of distemper.
One of the litter mates of the euthanized puppy lives in North Carolina. The county was told Wednesday it is showing signs of distemper.
As of Wednesday morning, there was not any new information on the puppy.
The test results on the original puppy are expected back by the end of the week.
Any animal adopted from a shelter, a breeder or even a private citizen, should always receive a veterinarian examination.
Count on News 13 at scnow.com to bring you updates as they become available.
Reader Reactions
Ms.Castro we are very sorry for your loss ..the county stepped in to run the shelter after some lost their jobs begging for help to stop this horrible virus and many suffering they had to blame someone while they made the public think they cured the problem ..the county failed to tell the public about a dog that came in last month around same time your baby pup did and they sent that dog for testing to clemson because it had all symptoms as distemper as far as anyone knows they distroyed the results and turned their heads because they are officers of the law that cant be wrong ...when will these animals ever be heard the way the deserve…
That was my puppy, his name was Chubbi. He was up to date on his vaccinations. I am very crushed, this is very hurtful and I am still missing him. I was so reluctant to get a puppy, because of the responsibilities and time it takes, I knew I just couldn’t give right now. But, I went to the Horry County Shelter to donate a kitty gym and there was this beautiful pup all alone because his siblings had already been adopted. Knowing the history of this place, I knew I had to rescue him, I decided what ever it takes I was willing to give. I had absolutely no idea about the outbreak in December. I also have a 4yr. old dog, Buddy who I now have too observe in hopes that he will be unharmed. He has been searching the house for Chubbi and whining. I don’t understand why this place would let these animals be adopted so soon. Puppies were going out the door that day. I am very disturbed by the whole incident, not too mention it cost 100’s of dollars for his medical care, which I don’t mind paying for if he was able to be cured. I loved him so much, he was my baby, and when you are taking the time to train an animal, you develop this bond that becomes something very special. This whole thing has been one expensive heartbreak! I know it’s hard to pinpoint the source of this illness, but closing this shelter down would be the best thing to do right now until it is absolutely 100% safe and healthy for animals. It’s definitely a catch 22! And now I am very weary about stepping into any shelter ever again.
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