Bad situation with good ending - UPDATE

[bluepinecones]

I'm so proud of all those who have jumped in to save these animals. I could not take one but did make contribution to cover cost of boarding one at a local vet where he could get proper care.

Following are excerpts from local news about the situation:

July 22,2014
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – The city animal shelter is sending out an S.O.S. to pet lovers.

Pet rescue groups began spreading word Tuesday about a dangerous respiratory infection that has sickened several dogs at the Triana Boulevard shelter.

Huntsville Animal Services officials say the only way to properly disinfect the facility is to adopt or find foster homes for most of its 220 canine residents.

"Because we have so many animals in one place, it's difficult to get a handle on," Karen Buchan, the shelter's animal care supervisor, told AL.com. "We need animals moved out quickly, and we need help from our community."

To entice pet lovers, the shelter has dramatically slashed adoption fees.
Dogs that have been at the shelter since May and June now cost just $35 and $50, respectively. The fee includes rabies shot, locator microchip, city pet license and voucher to have the animal spayed or neutered.

"It's above and beyond an excellent deal," said Buchan.

The city shelter's normal adoption fee ranges from $80 to $170, depending on the size of the dog.

Buchan said only dogs showing no signs of respiratory illness are being made available for adoption. The shelter is seeking foster families to temporarily care for sick but treatable pets, she said.
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Huntsville Animal Services
Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2014 5:04 pm | Updated: 5:15 pm, Thu Jul 24, 2014.
All dogs adopted at Animal Services, strays still need fostering
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - As Huntsville Animal Services continues cleaning its facility after a respiratory virus outbreak, there are still several dogs that need a temporary home.
All dogs up for adoption have been given new or temporary homes, according to Animal Services employees, but there are still about 19 stray dogs they would like to place in foster homes while they clean the facility.
The virus has killed four dogs at the shelter.
Animal Services Director Karen Sheppard said not all dogs will get sick from the virus, but it is more dangerous for puppies and dogs that have never had vaccinations.
Information about pet fostering can be found on the Huntsville Animal Services website.

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ALL 220 dogs were either adopted, fostered, or placed in other shelters in less than 72 hours.
A lot of people even volunteered to help disinfect the shelter and have been scrubbing away. It is expected that the shelter will be back in service in about two weeks.
What a great community effort!
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[Bethers]

Oh Sarah, I hope they got enough help. What a difficult time.

[Dawn309]

Sarah, I hope they get enough people to foster and adopt. Good for you making the donation. I imagine they appreciate all the help they can get.

[dayspring39]

That must be a constant concern for the animals many of whom have had very hard lives to begin with.
Thanks for sharing Sarah

[BarbaraRose]

Wow, so glad so many people stepped up to help out the shelter and the dogs!

[Bethers]

Awesome update. Thanks

[Dawn309]

Wow, the people of Huntsville should be lauded for really stepping up. What a great city.