Test
Testing dogs throughout the program and increasing medical oversight.
Emergency campaign archive
The distemper response campaign is closed.
This page documents how Three Little Pitties Rescue responded with testing, containment, treatment, prevention, and care. The emergency campaign is no longer accepting gifts.
Thank you to everyone who helped the rescue respond.
Nearly 1,000animals were protected
Campaign closedThe emergency response is preserved here as an archive.Thank you
Help us protect the dogs who need us most
The moment cases were confirmed, crisis response began.
For an organization that saves thousands of dogs every year, the health and safety of every animal in its care comes first. The team tested dogs throughout the program, used enhanced safety protocols, increased medical monitoring, and worked closely with veterinary professionals to contain the spread.
Every decision was guided by one goal: protecting as many lives as possible.
What is canine distemper?
A serious virus that demands fast, careful action.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can spread through direct contact, shared environments, contaminated surfaces, and airborne exposure. Puppies, unvaccinated dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
There is no cure. Treatment focuses on supportive care, symptom management, and giving each dog the best possible chance of recovery.
Symptoms can include
- Fever
- Coughing and respiratory illness
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Tremors or seizures
What the team did
Immediate action. Intensive care.
The response touched every part of the program, from animal movement and sanitation to testing and specialist-guided treatment.
Protect
Isolating and monitoring potentially exposed animals while restricting movement where necessary.
Clean
Using enhanced sanitation and disinfection protocols across the rescue.
Treat
Working with veterinary professionals to provide intensive supportive care.
What support covered
Every test and every day of care carried an unplanned cost.
Support helped cover veterinary exams, treatment, medications, quarantine space, cleaning supplies, and medical procedures throughout the response.
- Diagnostic testing
- Veterinary care and treatment
- Medical supplies and medications
- Enhanced sanitation
- Quarantine and isolation resources
- Daily care for nearly 1,000 animals
Emergency campaign archive
Keep lifesaving work moving forward.
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