Possible Distemper Outbreak Forcing Shelter to Close Temporarily

As I write this numerous rescues are frantically working to pull as many dogs out of Miami Dade Animal Shelter (already a high kill shelter) as they can. The staff, which normally leaves by 7:00pm is working late to process all the people waiting. The place is said to be VERY busy with dogs leaving left and right, rescue people waiting around..

Distemper is a serious illness that is very contagious. Your dog should be vaccinated against it every couple of years.

As usual, the Facebook dog-rescue community is in overdrive over this. Any dogs not rescued will be euthanized tonight, so they can completely sterilize the shelter.

I gave to Eyes of An Angel Pet Rescue twice this week, the second time was just an hour ago. Their goal is to get 6-7 dogs. They have lined up foster homes. They will worry about vetting costs later. They estimate at least $1,050 for that, and that's without any weird medical issues.  These are people absolutely committed to savings dogs. And they will reach out to all of us to help (I gave them $50 for a second time this week), and we will reach out to all of you. This is animal rescue, one pet at a time. These are people that will max out their credit cards, sell stuff, do all they can to not let a little light go out.

The first batch of dogs they wrote in to the shelter about, with financial contributions from their facebook fans, were rescued by people who showed up sooner (perhaps a mix up, and there are skads of people there) so now they are waiting to just take any 6-7 dogs. It is doubtful the shelter staff has time at this late hour to check their emails.

In the meantime, say a prayer at this moment for this shelter.

Here and here are the two news reports on it now.


UPDATE (7:56pm):

The first of the dogs they pulled, Saskia:

This is Saskia. She is 5 years old and she is also leaving the Miami Shelter tonight and that is all we know about her :) Normally, we have so much more to tell you, but these are such different circumstances. Welcome to our Rescue Family, Saskia. ♥

UPDATE (7:58pm):

The second dog they were able to pull, Luna.

This is Luna. She is 6 years old and she is leaving the Miami Shelter tonight and that is all we know about her :) Normally, we have so much more to tell you, but these are such different circumstances. Welcome to our Rescue Family, Luna. ♥

UPDATE (8:00pm) - a press release from the shelter: (click to enlarge)

The scene at the shelter (below).

UPDATE: (9:34pm) -- they are still there. Looks like they will only be able to get 3 dogs tonight. They must go back tomorrow for 4 more. The shelter is extending time for those dogs spoken for, but now new transport help must be worked out. If you are in the Miami Dade area and you can help, please give this rescue a call.





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