I've been hearing about CIRDC for the last two weeks but couldn't find anything about it other than rumors so I didn't post anything. Someone forwarded this to me this morning. What an awesome job this shelter did in saving its animals instead of killing them. If anyone wants me to forward them the email, send me an email at batmanmom@gmail.com. The email I got had a link to paypal to donate directly. Way to go Humane Society of Hamilton County.
This disease sounds really scary, has anyone else heard anything about it?
Dear Friends,
The last 4 weeks have been some of the most difficult in my 3 years at the shelter. As many of you may already know who have visited recently, we have had to close off portions of our kennel to the public due to an influx of a canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). This all encompassing term now includes a new, deadly bacterial strain of pneumonia that has hit shelters across the United States and claimed thousands of lives. Shelter animals with high stress, and therefore compromised immune systems, are extremely susceptible to this killer bacterial pneumonia. Sadly, we lost 6 dogs in the first weeks even though they received emergency medical care before we could conclusively and scientifically identify the culprit. We worked diligently with national shelter medicine experts to develop a plan for combating this aggressive bacteria strain as it almost always results in death if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
Once we identified the problem and multi-antibiotic regime needed to kill this particular bacteria, we did something most other shelters would not do. Instead of just euthanizing the current population, we treated our entire quarantine kennel with preventative care as well as those dogs already infected. We have also identified the same bacteria in a cat who became ill with identical symptoms and have now implemented the same protocols with our cats.
Approximately 100 animals have received the life saving treatment needed to combat or prevent the bacteria from growing into their lungs and progressing into this deadly pneumonia. The Humane Society has already invested over $20,000 in medications, medical and cleaning supplies, labor and emergency vet care to treat our animals and prevent others from becoming ill.
Our organization made the decision to NOT euthanize our infected or exposed animals even though it would have been far less expensive and labor intensive. Rather, our staff and volunteers pulled together like never before to clean every nook and cranny of the shelter with high-powered cleaning solutions that kill this rare bacteria. Our medical team watched over our sick dogs and cats like angels coming in late in the evening just to make sure everyone was comfortable and well. Our fosters and vets took in animals in need of intensive care and a quiet place to heal. Our board of directors supported a decision to treat these animals instead of killing them knowing it is always more expensive to save lives than to take them...but we are a Humane Society...and saving lives and providing second chances are the fundamental reasons we exist.
Nearly 100 animals who would have been euthanized almost anywhere else are alive and well today as we are now winning the fight against this disease. The faces you see here are thriving now, some already in new homes, because the Humane Society for Hamilton County did not give up nor lose its faith.
And now we need your help.
If you believe in what we do, and you believe this world is a better place with Noodles, Caprice, Pisces, Brooke, Glacier, Santana and so many more in it, please send us a monetary gift today to help cover the medical expenses we have incurred fighting this disease. Your continued support is why we are and will continue to be the best chance for a second chance for the homeless, unwanted, and abused animals of Hamilton County.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Sincerely,
Rebecca M. Stevens
Executive Director
About Humane Society for Hamilton County, Inc.
The mission of the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is to provide a compassionate and healthy environment for the homeless animals in our care until they can be placed into permanent, loving homes. The HSHC strives to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the suffering caused by pet overpopulation and animal cruelty by offering low cost spay/neuter solutions and education.
Humane Society for Hamilton County
Rebecca M. Stevens
Executive Director
www.hamiltonhumane.com
Donations may be mailed to:
Humane Society for Hamilton County
Attention: Survivor Fund
1721 Pleasant Street, STE B
Noblesville, IN, 46060
Wally on May 27 at 11:49 AM