Animal Control Finds Golden Retriever Puppies with Deadly Virus Abandoned in Boston

Three golden retriever puppies are recovering and looking for a fresh start after being left in Boston while sick with a dangerous virus.

Boston Animal Control found the puppies, all younger than six months and positive for parvovirus, in the Geneva Avenue area of Dorchester on August 23, according to CBS News.

“Parvo is highly contagious and potentially deadly, so when the puppies tested positive, Boston Animal Control immediately reached out to us for help,” said Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division.

Parvovirus can kill a puppy within 48 hours of showing symptoms, according to NBC10 Boston.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says parvovirus symptoms can include tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe and sometimes bloody diarrhea, belly pain, bloating, and fever or low body temperature. Symptoms may differ from dog to dog.

MSPCA-Angell, a Massachusetts animal welfare group, took care of two of the sickest puppies. The organization was shocked to find them alone and uncared for.

“Golden retrievers are a popular breed, so it’s unusual that a group was found sick and alone like this,” Keiley said. “No one has claimed the dogs, so given the situation, we believe they were abandoned.”

MSPCA-Angell shared photos of one of the pups, named Big Red, on Facebook. Big Red was “the sickest” of the three, but is now “feeling much better,” like the other two puppies.

The two puppies treated at the hospital stayed for six days before moving to foster homes. Big Red is in the last stage of treatment and should be ready for adoption soon.

MSPCA-Angell is not worried about finding a home for Big Red, since it has already received over 400 adoption applications. The group is reviewing them to find the best fit. The other two golden retrievers are fully recovered and available for adoption through Boston Animal Control.

“We know that there will be a lot of interest in adopting Big Red,” Keiley said. “Even though we can only pick one adopter, we’re excited that he will soon have a great home and a bright future after a rough start.”

MSPCA-Angell also reminded pet owners about the importance of keeping their dogs vaccinated.

“[Parvovirus] is a very contagious virus that can survive a long time outside, so it’s very dangerous, and dogs can get it without warning,” Keiley said. “Luckily, vaccines work really well and are easy to get, so we hope people take this as a reminder: Please vaccinate your dogs!”