Help Gertrude & Flittermouse With Parvo & Emergency Vet Care”

Two little dogs arrived in rescue needing help, and almost immediately, both began showing frightening signs that something was wrong.

Gertrude came to Rags to Riches Animal Rescue through an owner surrender already severely underweight and suffering from terrible diarrhea. Her caregivers knew she needed veterinary attention and brought her in the very next day.

The results brought even more bad news: Gertrude tested positive for parvovirus.

Parvo is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening virus that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and weakness, with vulnerable dogs sometimes requiring intensive supportive care and isolation. Gertrude had already arrived thin and struggling, leaving her little body with even less to fall back on as she faced the virus.

She remained at North Bay in quarantine while receiving veterinary care and waiting until it was safe for her to leave. Thankfully, Gertrude eventually tested negative and was finally able to head home with her foster. Even something as simple as getting a much-needed bath became a milestone after everything this sweet girl had been through.

Then there is Flittermouse, a young puppy who came to the rescue after a Good Samaritan found her being kept outside. A foster quickly stepped forward to give her somewhere safe to go, but it wasn't long before Flittermouse began vomiting and refusing to eat.

With Gertrude's recent diagnosis making parvo an especially frightening possibility, Flittermouse was quickly brought to the veterinarian for testing. Thankfully, she tested negative. Her veterinary team ran additional testing to investigate her symptoms and gave her medication to control the nausea. Soon afterward, she was eating again and beginning to feel better.

But this poor puppy's run of bad luck wasn't finished.

Flittermouse managed to briefly get hold of a roach trap, and when she began shaking and panting, her foster immediately rushed her to the emergency hospital. After consulting poison control and having her evaluated, everyone was relieved to learn that the substance in the trap was not considered toxic to dogs. She was able to return home with instructions to be closely monitored.

In a matter of days, Gertrude and Flittermouse needed parvo testing, diagnostic care, medication, isolation, monitoring, and an emergency hospital visit. Rags to Riches didn't hesitate to get either of these little girls help when something seemed wrong, but those unexpected veterinary expenses add up quickly for a rescue already stretched thin.

Donations to Gertrude and Flittermouse's fundraiser will help with the cost of their parvo testing, Gertrude's isolation and care, Flittermouse's treatment for vomiting and nausea, her emergency evaluation, and other eligible veterinary expenses. Both girls have already needed far more medical attention than anyone expected, and your support can help Rags to Riches continue providing the care they need as they recover.