P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park is set to reopen Saturday after a canine flu outbreak swept through the animal shelter and others in the Southland.
The South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights and the Animal Welfare League of Chicago Ridge already have reopened.
P.A.W.S., at 8301 W. 191st St., closed for drop-offs and adoptions on April 27 to care for more than 30 dogs infected with the virus. It opened about a week ago for cat adoptions.
All of the dogs at the shelter tested negative as of a week ago, according to P.A.W.S. Board President Peggy Grimm.
She said volunteers offered to help during the outbreak “but we had experienced volunteers handle the sick dogs and we didn’t want anyone to possibly bring the flu home to their dog,” Grimm said. “The response for donations has been overwhelming. Donations of food, supplies and money are helping us through it. We asked for nebulizers for the dogs and received over a dozen, which allowed multiple dogs to be treated at one time.”
P.A.W.S. vice president Terri Buckley said last month that 35 sick dogs all had a cough and were lethargic, and some were vomiting.
Grimm said that with a month’s worth of care, vaccinations and medications, the dogs are healthy. The shelter has been working with veterinarians from Midwest Animal Hospital in Orland Park to treat the animals.
“We expect medical costs to be over $40,000,” Grimm said. “This was for nebulizer treatments, medication and daily vet visits. Unfortunately the flu vaccine wasn’t effective for this strain of the flu.”
Saturday’s reopening will feature tents for dog meet-and-greets, along with refreshments.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support, and come out on Saturday to help us celebrate,” Grimm said.
Meanwhile, Tinley Park’s first dog park, Canine Campus, at 84th Avenue and Nielsen Drive, sits empty due to lingering concerns about the dog flu. A grand opening was set for May 2 and later was rescheduled for May 30, but a Tinley Park Park District employee said Tuesday that would-be users of the park should check the park district website, at http://www.tinleyparkdistrict.org
More Top Picks Heart Attack Vs Heartburn
, for updates about the opening. Officials are unsure about whether opening Saturday would provide enough time for dog owners to feel confident about letting their dogs mingle with others.“I want to remind everyone the flu virus is still in the area and to be careful taking your dog out in public,” Grimm said. “Dogs may be contagious and not show symptoms yet.”
The flu spreads quickly, and dogs are contagious three days before they come down with symptoms and four days after, Buckley previously said.
The Animal Welfare League of Chicago Ridge, 10305 Southwest Highway, reopened to the public after an unspecified number of dog were affected by the flu, according to shelter spokeswoman Terri Sparks.
The Animal Welfare League housed 559 dogs when flu concerns arose, and each was tested after 20 dogs that showed symptoms tested positive last month.
Sparks said the Animal Welfare League was closed for five weeks.
White is a freelance reporter.