Old Dominion Humane Society And SFC Virginia Partner To Save Pups’ Lives

When Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) received puppies from a southern Virginia animal shelter in late August, they arrived with more than adorable faces and wagging tails. After the litter of seven was examined, tests confirmed the pups had hookworms, and treatment began. Still, the puppies continued to show a marked decline in energy and appetite, which raised red flags for ODHS volunteers.

Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) received seven puppies from a southern Virginia animal shelter last month, but they arrived with more than adorable faces and wagging tails. Four of the puppies were diagnosed with Parvo and subsequently treated and cared for by ODHS and SFC Virginia. All pups are on the road to recovery, and (in photo) three of the litter are getting bathed. SFC’s supply of puppy food is limited, and food and cash donations would help to restock the shelves. To donate, contact SFC at info@sfcva.org or visit www.sfcva.org/donate.

That’s when a medical foster was contacted to meet the puppy most symptomatic. More tests were run, including Parvo, a life-threatening and highly contagious virus, especially for puppies. Even more concerning was that records showed each puppy had only one vaccination, making them extremely susceptible to the virus. Tests confirmed the worst news--four of the puppies were Parvo positive. ODHS began treatment, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 and sometimes even higher. With four pups urgently in need of treatment and ODHS’s medical resources already threadbare, the rescue called on SFC Virginia* for help.

“SFC has a fully functional Parvo ward and staff equipped to handle a litter,” said Chrissy Hamilton, ODHS founder. “When we reached out to SFC and asked for assistance, they didn’t hesitate. They were ready to help as soon as we transported the most critical puppy late in the evening. Ryan Barker, the executive director of SFC, whisked the puppy to the Parvo Ward to continue with the treatments. The entire team there couldn’t have been more caring and helpful.”

The remaining three puppies arrived at SFC early the next morning to undergo treatment. SFC briefed ODHS on the puppies’ conditions on a daily basis.

As ODHS volunteers waited tentatively for news, they were finally able to breathe sighs of relief upon hearing the puppies were turning the corner toward improvement. This meant arrangements would be made for them to be discharged back to an ODHS Parvo recovery foster in a few days. All four pups were energetic, bouncing and playing as they continued their recovery.

“This is such a great example of a shared mission to make an impact in the lives of dogs that risked euthanasia in a shelter,” said Hamilton. “Four pups’ lives were saved because of the dedication of all the volunteers who provided them with the medical attention they needed. Because of the combined efforts of two rescues, we now have four beautiful puppies who will eventually be adopted.”

ODHS encourages the community to donate puppy food to SFC as a way to thank the rescue for helping to save the pups’ lives. SFC’s supply of puppy food is limited, and food and cash donations would greatly help to restock the shelves. To donate, contact SFC at info@sfcva.org or visit www.sfcva.org/donate.

*SFC Virginia is a foster-focused animal rescue group in Spotsylvania founded in 2019.