06/17/2026
Three years ago today, I heard the words no dog owner ever wants to hear: 5 of my 6 (personal) dogs tested positive for Parvo.
In rescue, I've seen heartbreaking things. I've fought for dogs that others had given up on. But nothing prepared me for the fear, helplessness, and heartbreak of watching multiple dogs battle a virus that can take them in a matter of days.
Parvo is not "just a puppy illness." It is a highly contagious and often deadly virus that attacks a dog's gastrointestinal system and immune system. It spreads easily through contaminated surfaces, yards, shoes, clothing, and places where infected dogs have been.
The emotional toll was devastating. The financial burden was overwhelming. The constant worry of whether they would survive was something I never want to experience again.
Thankfully, my dogs were fighters. But not every dog gets that same outcome.
Today, three years later, I want to use that painful memory as a reminder:
🐾 Keep your dogs current on vaccinations.
🐾 Follow your veterinarian's vaccine schedule, especially for puppies.
🐾 Keep your dogs on proper preventatives and routine veterinary care.
🐾 Avoid exposing unvaccinated puppies to high-risk public areas.
🐾 Take symptoms seriously—vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration can become life-threatening quickly.
As a rescue, we've unfortunately seen Parvo far too many times. We've celebrated survivors and mourned those who didn't make it. Prevention will always be easier, less expensive, and far less heartbreaking than treatment. 😔
As Haven Paws Dog Rescue approaches a new chapter, with our Director Madison preparing to welcome Baby #2 and focus on her growing family, we want our community to know that while we are closing intake, we are not fully closing operations.
Our goal is to use this transition to continue helping pet owners in our community keep their dogs safe, healthy, vaccinated, and properly vetted. We want to help prevent needless suffering, reduce preventable diseases like Parvo, and do our part to prevent more unwanted litters from entering an already overwhelmed rescue system.
If our mission has ever touched your heart, helped a dog, or supported a family, please consider helping us continue this work.
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Every donation helps support community education, preventative care efforts, spay/neuter initiatives, and assistance for dogs in need.
All donations are tax-deductible as Haven Paws Dog Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and South Carolina Charity.
Three years later, I still remember every sleepless night, every emergency vet visit, every prayer, and every tear. Parvo is real. It is deadly. And it is largely preventable through proper veterinary care and vaccination.
Please protect your pets. They depend on us to make those decisions for them. ❤️🐾
