'Connie the Container Dog' Sadly Passes Away After Unexpected Medical Complication
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'Connie the Container Dog' won hearts all over after she was found by a couple of Coast Guard inspectors in a shipping container in a Houston, Texas port. After Connie was rescued and treated by veterinarians, it was discovered that this young dog was pregnant.
After Connie gave birth to eight puppies and found her forever home, The Forever Changed Animal Rescue shared the sad news that Connie has passed away after a battle with pythiosis.
The Forever Changed Animal Rescue posted on Facebook, in part, "She was such a young dog, with the absolute sweetest spirit, and yet she was such a fighter, a true survivor. She deserved so many years of love and happiness, and she had found THE MOST PERFECT family that was finally giving her that. While we are glad that she had a few good months of happiness and love, it will never seem like it was enough. She deserved more."
Related: Turns Out 'Connie the Container' Dog Unknowingly Had a 'Stowaway' on Board
The rescue stated that Connie had contacted Pythiosis, which they suspect Connie contacted after drinking water outside before she got stuck in the shipping container.
All eight of Connie's puppies were adopted to other families.
People on Facebook are saddened by this news and one person commented, "This is the most heartbreaking news…. I can’t even begin to imagine the anguish her passing is for her family. May God Bless them and wrap His loving arms around them. Godspeed precious Connie. You lived a loving full life in the short time you were with your family and I know you carried that love in your heart to heaven." Another person replied, "Our hearts are broken reading this and for all of the folks who were involved in her journey. Big hugs to all of the FCAR staff and countless loves little sweet Connie touched."
It is such sad news considering poor Connie had such a rough life. Our hearts go out to everyone saddened by her passing.
If you would like to make a donation in Connie's memory to help other shelter dogs, you can visit the website for the Forever Changed Animal Rescue here.
What Is Pythiosis and How Do You Protect Your Own Pets?
Pythiosis is a disease caused by an algae-like fungal organism called Pythium insidosum.
The American Kennel Club explains that Pythium insidiosum thrives in ponds, swamps, wetlands, and bayous. It’s most prominent in the fall and early winter. Dogs typically contract pythiosis through swimming, wading in, or swallowing infected water. The pythium zoospores in the water may also enter the dog’s system through small cuts on their paws or skin.
The symptoms of this infection include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea (usually including blood.)
Keep your pets away from either wading, swimming, playing in or drinking from stagnant water, like in puddles, swamps, bayous, ponds, and wetlands.
If you suspect your own pet has been in contact with stagnant water and they are showing signs of being unwell, contact your veterinarian right away.
