BEWARE, BEWARE, BEWARE.... Extremely emotionally, mentally, physically, and costly experience --…read morePlease Ask Questions Before Adopting
I adopted a 10-week-old puppy, Miso, formerly "ELLA", from One of a Kind Pet Rescue , Akron, Ohio- on 10/16/26. 3 days later, Miso began vomiting, and our family was horrified to learn that she tested positive for parvo virus, a potentially life-threatening disease that is highly contagious, that can require extensive veterinary treatment. My other dog , Shayla, also began vomiting and both had to be taken to the vet the next day. Shayla was exposed and remains at risk, but fortunately, tested negative. They remain quarantined from eachother for 14 days, both continuing treatment.
I have had to deal with the emotional stress of potentially losing a new family member, or both of my pets, and exposing my current dog, as well as a huge treatment bill. Misos monoclonal antibody treatment, additional veterinary concerns, and the huge task of isolating the puppy and disinfecting the entire home to protect my other dog and cross- contamination. I cannot go around anyone with dogs, as this is carried on clothing, shoes etc. and the only way to kill it is through bleaching everything being exposed, clothing, bedding, toys, blankets and shoes.
My vet informed me the symptoms usually occur 4-5 days after exposure. Please note, my Miso, "ELLA", came from Kentucky and was received on 10/10, spayed on 10/13 and I adopted on 10/16. I was also informed puppies need to be quarantined for 2 weeks. To make matters worse, she was first vaccinated at approximately 5 weeks. My vet informed me that the mother's antibodies attack this vaccination and it is ineffective as well as the vaccination given two weeks later. They gave the additional two vaccinations two weeks apart?! My vet said the schedule should be as close to 8,12 and 16 weeks as possible. I made sure Shayla had her vaccinations, previously, thank goodness, and was considered immune, prior to adoption of Miso.
What made an already upsetting situation worse.. was my phone call to the rescue, "MARISSA". I raised concerns and asked questions about the safety of the other dogs in the facility and Miso's vaccination history, and the response I received was rude and dismissive rather than compassionate or helpful. I was told that the puppy had received all three shots despite being only 10 weeks old. SHE NEVER EVEN ASKED ABOUT ABOUT HOW MY DOGS WERE !!
I understood that puppy vaccinations are administered on a schedule, with doses spaced apart, and that a completed series at that age would be unusual.
I wanted clear answers and reassurance, not an argument.
I understand that animals can become sick, and I am not claiming that the rescue knowingly adopted out a sick puppy. However, when an animal becomes seriously ill shortly after adoption, transparency, accurate medical records, and respectful communication are the bare minimum adopters should be able to expect.
Please do your homework before adopting. Ask for copies of vaccination and veterinary records, confirm exactly which vaccines were administered and on what dates, and make sure you understand the rescue's policies if a newly adopted animal becomes seriously ill.
A rescue's responsibility should not end when an animal leaves its facility. How an organization responds when an adopter is facing a frightening and expensive medical situation says a great deal about its commitment to the animals and the families who take them home.
I sincerely hope this experience leads to better communication and greater transparency for future adopters.
I for one will NOT be back at this facility based on the response of such a serious situation.
I AM VERY MUCH WORRIED ABOUT HER BROTHER " CINDER", ESPECIALLY ,AS HE WAS IN THE SAME CAGE AND ADOPTED OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I WAS TOLD HIS FAMILY HAS BEEN NOTIFIED? The other dogs around my Miso on 10/16, as well. Please reach out via fb if you have any questions-or would like the paperwork for verification - Valerie Fink.
