5 puppies found abandoned in box have died, sole surviving puppy showing 'signs of recovery'
Photo from HSTPC
ELK PLAIN, Wash. - On Jan. 2, six puppies were found in a soaking wet box on the side of a highway in Pierce County. One of those puppies was found wrapped in a plastic bag and didn't make it, and its siblings were receiving critical care at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County (HSTPC). Unfortunately, four of those remaining puppies have died.
The puppies were heard crying and were found by a community member along Highway 7 in Elk Plain, a town just southeast of Spanaway.
The surviving siblings were experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea when they were found-- vets at the shelter said they were sick and lethargic and all tested positive for parvovirus. Parvovirus is a deadly and contagious virus for dogs that affects the gastrointestinal tract. If left untreated, it can cause a painful death.
Since the surviving pups were brought in, vets said their health took a turn for the worse, leading to the heartbreaking decision to euthanize three of them. Another puppy died on her own.
The surviving puppy is showing "promising signs of recovery" while still fighting the deadly disease.
"She’s receiving IV fluids to combat dehydration and a high-calorie supplement to help her gain weight and hopefully survive this ruthless virus," HSPTC said.
Donations from the community are urgently needed to help provide medical care for these five puppies as they battle the virus. You can donate here.