Belvas is a four-month-old puppy; a GoFundMe has been established for his medical care after a Parvo test administered to Belvas came back positive. Photo from the Animal Welfare League’s GoFundMe page.

By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County is seeking donations for a 4-month-old puppy’s medical care after the canine tested positive for Parvo.

On Jan. 7, a good Samaritan brought the puppy to the AWL after finding the dog wandering in the Claypool area. The puppy, a male Belgian Malinois named Belvas, began showing signs of illness, including vomiting, blood in his stool and lethargy. The good Samaritan immediately took the puppy to the AWL for assistance.

Staff administered a Parvo virus test to the dog and the results came back positive. Parvo is a deadly canine virus that causes vital organs to shut down and has a 5% survival rate, yet is completely preventable with a vaccine.

After receiving the positive results, AWL Executive Director Sally Scott personally drove Belvas to Lake City Animal Health and Wellness Center for treatment. Upon further examination, Belvas was not only diagnosed with the Parvo virus but also pneumonia. Staff also found the word “kill” had been shaved on his side.

Scott said Belvas “is in critical condition but hanging in there.”

There is a GoFundMe set up to donate to Belvas’ care. People can also donate via the AWL website by clicking on the “donate” button. The shelter also accepts credit/debit payments over the phone at (574) 267-3008. Checks and cash are also accepted in-person at the shelter or through the mail at 1048 S. CR 325E, Pierceton IN 46562.

“We are doing all we can to save his life,” said Scott. “If you are unable to donate, we encourage you to share Belvas’ story through social media. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to his fundraiser so far!”