It took a bit of time and patience, but with the help of staff and folks from other rescues, we were able to find him again. 

We named him BILLY BOY.  He's a 2 year old Pitbull who somehow ended up living on the streets. During this time, he was injured and his left hind leg became severely infected.

We took Billy Boy to the vet immediately and found out the news:  they are going to have to amputate his leg! His knee is completely twisted around and is affecting his mobility - the poor dog is in so much pain.  His wounds are also infected and he's running a fever, so he needs to get better before we can schedule him in for a major surgery. 

The good news is that after the surgery, with a little nurturing, Billy Boy will be completely  fine. Once he's healed up from  surgery and is back in good spirits, he will be able to live a good life once we find him a wonderful home.   

Thank you to everyone who helped.  Because of the actions of compassionate individuals, this dog didn't have to suffer and perish outdoors. 

Billy Boy's amputation will cost  around $1,200.  We will do what we can to ensure that he gets the surgery that he needs. Please donate if you can. Thank you! 

~Vanessa Medina, MHC Executive Director

WE APPRECIATE & NEED DONATIONS!  With rescue work, we never know what situations we will have to deal with each day. Having a steady flow of funds enables us to be ready for whatever challenges we may encounter as we help cats & dogs out of desperate situations.  Help us help pets like Billy  Boy. 

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NOTES FROM THE ADOPTION CENTER is a blog series where we will be sharing some of our rescue stories and our day-to-day challenges & successes at the Midland Humane Coalition Adoption Center(inside PetSmart) and The Joe and Van Mabee Animal Rescue Center (our new rescue facility). ​

Please help us cover Sweet Pea's treatment, which will most likely add up to a hefty hospital bill. 

WHAT IS PARVOVIRUS?
The Canine Parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs.  The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite (anorexia).  The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death.  The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies.


Symptoms: Watch out for these symptoms: Bloody diarrhea (often severe), Fever, Lethargy (lack of energy), Loss of appetite, Malaise (discomfort associated with illness), Rapid weight loss, Vomiting


How your dog get infected: Parvo is transmitted in two ways. The first is by direct contact through the nose and mouth with infected poop, which can happen when a dog sniffs or licks a surface or another dog that has been contaminated with feces. The second is indirect transmission which occurs when a puppy comes into contact with a contaminated person, object, or environment. The virus can survive on clothing, equipment, on human skin, and in the environment.


Who is most susceptible: All dogs are at risk for developing canine parvovirus. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adult dogs are also at risk.

Vaccinate your pet against PARVO and other preventable illnesses!
Learn about Common Pet Diseases & Vaccinations 
Book an appointment with a Midland Veterinarian Clinic  
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The American Kennel Club says use this “rule of thumb” to determine how long a dog may be outside in the cold, even if it is having a great time romping in the snow:

Puppies fewer than 8 weeks old: Keep indoors during cold weather
Toy breeds: Keep indoors during cold weather
Brachycephalic breeds (i.e. dogs with short noses, like pugs and French bulldogs and many other flat faced breeds): Keep indoors (especially when exercising)
Smaller breeds: Limit outings in temperatures below 32ºF to 10-15 minutes
Larger breeds: Limit outings in temperatures below 32ºF to 30-60 minutes
Arctic breeds: Can stay outside in the cold indefinitely, as long as they are acclimated

Keep your pets safe and warm this winter! 

The new law states that dogs cannot be tied up using chains or heavy restraints. Their restraints should never be shorter than five times the dog’s body length from nose to tail.

Also, their collars must be made of a material that’s designed for a dog’s neck. Ropes, wires, etc., cannot be wound around a dog’s neck. (Hard to believe, but people do such deplorable things.)

Dogs must also have access to shade, shelter from inclement weather, and access to drinkable water if left alone outside. (Drinkable water is fresh, cool and in a clean bowl.)

The new law also allows law enforcement to get involved with a chained animal situation immediately. Before, they had to wait 24 hours. 

Violators of this new law will now face consequences. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor (fines up to $500) and becomes a Class B misdemeanor (second offense could mean up to 180 days in jail and a $2000 fine with a Class B misdemeanor) if it’s a repeated offense.

We truly wish that no dogs have to spend most of their lives tied or chained. (We are not talking about a recreational or temporary tethering situation. I’ve restrained mine with a tie down while setting up my camera for a photo shoot or putting out food and supplies for a picnic.) We are talking about those unfortunate dogs who are tied or chained and left alone and basically live outdoors exposed to the elements.  A sad, unfortunate life!

We can only hope that this new law changes the behavior of people and their treatment of dogs in their care. ​

​Try as we may, we are unable to educate all the people in humane treatment of animals or control the inhumane behavior inherent in many, so we must continue to make and enforce laws on behalf of the animals. But it takes a village to look out for and stand up for those who have no voice but ours.
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If you see an animal being abused or neglected, please contact an animal resource in your area. They will know who to contact regarding the incident.

Learn more here>>