“We’ve been caring for this poor lil soul. Now back from the vet. Found on the highway, survival was a miracle with speeding cars at night in this weather… the expressway, the blizzard, and looks like a good amount of time out alone in the big city during the winter. This tiny little body is underweight, horribly stinky despite a bath, covered in sores, injury, and severely matted fur (baseball sized bloody oozing matts in some areas where the skin is infected/rotting underneath.) Despite this, a sweet disposition (albeit somewhat timid) and we’re hopeful feeling much better once the medications from the vet today start working. Please share and lets see if we can find someone missing a cocker spaniel for awhile in Chicago.”

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Blastomycosis disease is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, which is primarily local to the Midwest and most prominent around areas close to bodies of water. The fungus grows in moist soil heavy with decomposing organic materials such as leaves, wood, or other decaying plant matter. The disease typically occurs when spores from the fungus are inhaled, but they may also enter the body through open sores or wounds.

The disease can affect humans, dogs, cats, horses (several other species have also been reported,) if they come into contact with the fungus. Early detection and diagnosis are key in increasing chances of survival.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Puss filled skin lesions
• Eye drainage or weeping
• Film over eyes or inflammation
• Lethargy
• Limping
• Labored breathing, wheezing or pneumonia
• Nausea or flu-like symptoms

Treatment:

• Anti-fungal medication (typically oral)
• Oxygen treatment (in cases of severe respiratory damage)
• Possible hospitalization
• High quality diet to aide in recovery

According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, “Illinois is located in the “Blasto Belt” for humans and animals alike. Retrievers, beagles, and other hunting dogs are particularly susceptible to getting blastomycosis because of their outdoor activities.” Blastomycosis in humans is not transmitted through the air from an affected pet, but could be contracted from changing an infected animal’s bandage through skin contact of open wounds.

If you or your pet are experiencing any of the symptoms don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

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Especially with this week’s sudden dog flu outbreak which has shut down all dog adoptions at both adoption locations, any extra donations will certainly go to getting (and keeping) the dogs healthy. Read more about this dog flu outbreak at Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society here.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday February 23rd, 2017– “Pour Your Heart Out” Fundraiser. Join The Anti-Cruelty Society Thursday, Feb. 23 from 6–8:00 p.m. at Union League Club (65 W. Jackson Blvd) for a wine and spirits tasting to help support the cats and dogs at the Society. The event includes hors-d’oeuvres, wine pull, and even a raffle and photo booth. Tickets are $65 in advance (until Feb 22nd) or $70 at the door.

October 8th, 2017– Run the Chicago Marathon with Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society’s “Team Anti-Cruelty.” It’s only 26.2 miles and you will be helping to make a difference in the lives of thousands of dogs and cats. Tip: Refer a friend and your entry fee will be waived.

Donations of any kind are always appreciated and accepted, but why not have a little fun and hang out with some like minded animal lovers while you’re helping out the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society to make a difference?

This is not the first time that Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society has been forced to close for dog adoptions, but the closure this time is estimated at 3-4 weeks. During this time, all dogs in their care will be quarantined and medicated for the canine influenza virus, and the organization is requesting donations to aide in the additional care & treatments.

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)  hit Chicago and the Midwest hard in 2015, and has since stuck around to infect more dogs in 2016, and now it seems it did not waste any time now surfacing in the early days of 2017.

A plea on the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society facebook page urges donations and not just the monetary kind, “Since all the dogs at The Anti-Cruelty Society are now on medical treatment for canine influenza virus (dog flu), we are in need of tasty food to help get the dogs to take their medications!” And what tasty foods do they find most helpful?

“We’re specifically looking for hot dogs and liverwurst. If you are able to donate to help us purchase these items, please visit anticruelty.org“

Of course financial assistance can also be made by sending a check to the Anti-Cruelty Society office at 157 W. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60654. The Society helps more than 20,000 animals each year, and although they are eager to resume dog adoptions, cat and kitten adoptions are unaffected by the dog flu outbreak and adopters are welcome to come visit the many adoptable felines.

Hilton’s fluffy-four-legged-fashion accessory used to share the lime light with the heiress frequently as she was toted along and smooched for fans on a regular basis- however in the past few years her appearances seem to have been traded in for younger models. Paris has been documented and scrutinized for her purchasing pattern of tinier and younger dogs the past few years, as she came under fire for bragging about purchasing the “tiniest Pomeranian.”

In a social media statement on Instagram, Paris stated:

“My heart is broken. I am so sad & devastated. After 14 amazing years together my baby Tinkerbell has passed away of old age. I feel like I’ve lost a member of my family. She was such a special & incredible soul. We went through so much together. I can’t believe she’s gone. I will miss her & think about her for the rest of my life. I love you Tinky, you are a Legend & will never be forgotten.”

Pushed out of the spotlight by the new additions over the last couple years, the heiress fielded frequent questions if Tinkerbell was still alive. So, in October 2014 Paris released a statement and video assuring dog loving fans that she was still alive and well. The pup may have been snuffed out of the spotlight before her time, but Tinkerbell lived a long life and died of natural causes on Tuesday April 21, 2015.

The 3 year old Alaskan Husky named Sarabi was lost after her “musher” Laura Allaway dropped her leash due to an aggravated shoulder. Despite attempts to locate the dog through fliers and networking, no sightings were made for nearly 3 weeks and nearly all hope was lost.

Allaway told ABC News:

“I was pretty sure that she wasn’t around anymore after 3 weeks of no confirmed sighting.”

Laura Allaway, 33, is a suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin native and is currently residing in Fairbanks, Alaska. According to Iditarod.com, she had 10 sled dogs and 2 pet dogs.

As if by miracle, the lost sled dog Sarabi was spotted in the yard of the Rev. Tim Carrick of the United Protestant Presbyterian Church in Palmer, Alaska. After feeding and coaxing efforts, the dog was finally safely captured. Laura Allaway is currently traveling, but Sarabi was returned to the care of a close friend who plans to reunite the musher to her dog as soon as she returns.

The horrific scene was discovered at 11758 S. Morgan Street when officers noticed the overpowering smell wafting from the home. They proceeded to discover two starved tan pit bull puppies covered in feces and urine, dead and shoved in a closet. Prosecutors indicated they did not have any access to food, water, or light.

Animal control removed a third pit bull puppy (still alive) and three adult pit bulls. None of the dogs appeared to have proper care or nutrition and were all reportedly very skinny. At least one of the dogs had bite marks on it’s face and other signs of dog fighting were present.

The Chicago Sun Times stated, “Burnett’s sister, who had called police on her the day prior, told police more dogs were downstairs and they were being used for dog fighting.” And also reported that at least one dog recovered was covered with garbage and feces.

Illinois state law outlines animal cruelty in that no one is legally allowed to, “beat, cruelly treat, torment, starve, overwork or otherwise abuse any animal” in accordance with the Illinois humane care for animals act. One violation results in a  Class A misdemeanor. Subsequent convictions of aggravated animal cruelty are punishable with a Class 4 felony.

Shantell Burnett, 24, was arrested and charged with four felony aggravated cruelty to animals charges in Cook County.