Utah shelter dog recovers from parvo outbreak, soon available to foster or adopt
WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — In early April, Weber County Animal Services confirmed there was an outbreak of canine parvovirus at the shelter.
Four dogs contracted the virus. Unfortunately, three of them died, but there was one survivor — 15-month-old Oliver.
After Oliver underwent treatment at Mountain West Veterinary Specialists, the shelter has good news. Oliver is doing better and returned to the shelter last week, where he will soon be available to be fostered or adopted.
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“I’m happy to report that Oliver is done shedding his parvo and will be ready for adoption or foster by 04/26/24. He still needs to put on some weight, but gives us tail wags and is excited to start going for walks again,” Lisa Weiss, an animal care specialist at the shelter, said.
She thanked the community for all the generous donations that went towards Oliver’s life-saving treatments.
Weiss said that Oliver tested negative for parvo on April 22 and should be clear to be around adult dogs by his available foster/adoption date, but recommended not bringing any puppies in contact with him for at least six months.
In a Facebook post, the shelter said that Oliver does well in play groups at the shelter with other dogs, though he is a little unsure around cats.
“He still does have some stranger danger, but if someone goes slow with him and gives him time to approach him, he does pretty well. All our volunteers say he’s a great dog,” the post said.
They said that Oliver was very scared for the first few days at the shelter, but after some time, was able to get out of the kennel and acclimate to being around strangers.
“Oliver has overcome a lot and has made amazing progress, but he has hit a plateau here and needs to move on to someone that can continue to help him progress and/or can advocate for him when strangers are around to let Oliver approach them first,” the shelter said.
Weber County Animal Services said that his old owner shared that Oliver is an inside dog who spent time with the family parrot and three other dogs he lived with.
They said that he is house-trained and has never lived with children, so children 12 or older may be the best for him. The shelter commented that Oliver has a high energy level and loves playing with toys.
If you are interested in fostering Oliver, contact their foster team at foster.wcas@gmail.com or if you’re interested in adopting, stop by the shelter where they would be happy to have you meet him in person.
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