Dog owners beware.
The Emporia Animal Shelter – a beacon of hope where canine and human souls can connect – has currently put a stop to adopting out dogs, due to the outbreak of an unknown illness that have been affecting – and ultimately, killing – a startling amount of dogs in the Emporia area.
Many dog-owners insist that their dogs are just like people. Dogs are curious explorers, eager to remind us that the world always has something new to show us. They defend our territories and our hearts, alike. At the end of the day, dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend.”
But now is the time for us to be dog’s best friend.
Symptoms affecting these furry friends include kennel cough, at first, but may progress into “matted eyes, green mucus from the nose, and fevers,” according to an article on Kwch.com. The article also stated that the issue can also cause the canines to lose their appetite, as well as control over their central nervous system.
As of Tuesday night, according to the Kwch.com article, 40 dogs had to be euthanized. Because of the extreme nature of the situation, and after the shelter had to euthanize eight dogs in a single day, the shelter ceased adopting out dogs for time-being.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, receptionist at the shelter denied any comment to The Bulletin, but did say that they “aren’t trying to hide anything – they just don’t know what they’re dealing with.”
But for many dog others in Emporia, this can be unsettling – and even frightening.
The situation seems to be stewing and not much is known to the general public about what’s going on. All dogs, even vaccinated ones, can fall victim this sickness. Right now, it’s a slippery slope to be leaning on as a dog-owner in Emporia – one that we must be careful to tread on.
Until the public is provided with more details, the best thing for pet owners to do is to keep your pets up-to-date on their vaccinations and routinely cleaning your home and your pet’s kennel.
If you pet seems to be showing any of the above listed symptoms, be responsible and quarantine it – far away from other animals. Help keep the other animals in Emporia safe, like you want your own to be. Also, make sure to contact your veterinarian upon the immediate discovery of these symptoms..
Our pets can tell when something is wrong – whether we are sick, stressed or worried. Be able to the same for your pet. Be attentive of your canine’s health as if he were a person, just like you. Just give your favorite furry friend a little extra love and care. Take care of your best friend the way they have always taken care of you.