The prognosis is looking good for nearly 100 dogs sickened by a strong flu virus strain that swept through the Humane Society Calumet Area in Munster.
Although the facility will remain closed for the time being, the dogs are improving and feeling much better, said CEO Rachel Delaney.
“The dogs are doing great,” she said. “Only a handful are still receiving nebulizer treatments.”
The flu did not affect cats at the facility.
As it takes 21-30 days for the virus to run its course, Delaney said, the facility won’t reopen until the second week of April. They recently learned the virus is the canine influenza strain H2N3, which first appeared in Chicago kennels about a year ago and has been working its way east.
“All the dogs are going to pull through, as far as we can tell,” she said. “There are a couple still showing signs and symptoms.”
The past couple of weeks have tested the resolve of the HSCA staff and mobilized the area’s animal rights community to provide the dogs with needed medical care and creature comforts in an around-the-clock effort, she said.
“The public has been so gracious,” Delaney said. “I can’t say enough about the support we’ve received. There have been so many donations of blankets, food and other things. Donations have been coming in from across the U.S.”
She said the get-well cards they received cheered up the staff — “and the dogs too.” The cards are all taped up in the HSCA’s main hallway.
The facility’s closure impacts other animal shelters and rescue organizations that cannot use HSCA resources, such as its spay and neuter clinic. And with HSCA closing, the number of pets in need of a home is straining other animal facilities in Northwest Indiana.
And the virus strain has apparently continued its eastern migration and infected the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana in Gary’s Miller section, Delaney said.
A recorded message from the organization stated the facility was closed for “deep cleaning.”
More Top Picks Best Budget Leather Boots
Its Facebook message stated: “We will be closed until further notice due to canine influenza. If anyone can donate funds to help us out during this difficult time it would be greatly appreciated. We will keep everybody updated on when we will be reopening. Thank you for your continuous support.”
Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.