'Hugging Pups' Face New Battle

The famous hugging dog duo captured on camera at a Bartow County Ga., animal shelter have a new hurdle they have to face before they can find a Forever Home.

Kala and Keira have contracted parvovirus, Angels Among Us Pet Rescue said in a press release.

A veterinarian partner with the organization on Monday tested both dogs. Signs of parvo include loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and and diarrhea, the American Veterinary Medical Association.

No specific drug is available to treat the virus, so treatment mostly consists of efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea and preventing secondary infections, AVMA states.

Since parvo is highly contagious, dogs are kept in isolation to prevent the spread of the infection.

“Contagious viruses like parvo or kennel cough can incubate in pets weeks after they leave a shelter,” said Andi Fahmy-Rhys, vetting director with Angels Rescue.

Angels Rescue typically has a two-week incubation hold on dogs rescued from shelters, especially young dogs like Kala and Keira, who are more susceptible to a virus in captivity. The parvovirus is only contagious once a dog shows symptoms and sheds the virus in their feces, the group said.

Kala and Keira were at the Cartersville-based Bartow County Animal Shelter when that famous photo was taken by an employee with the Humane Society. The organization posted the photo on its Facebook page, and Angels Among Us shared the photo with followers.

The photo of Kala, the 8-month old hound mix hugging Keira, a 1-year-old boxer mix, tugged at the hearts of many residents and landed the pair in a foster family.

“We had no choice but to rescue both dogs together,” said Marla Olcott, a founding member with Angels Rescue.

These hugging pups continued to bond in their Angels Rescue foster home, and remain close while under quarantine at the animal hospital. The organization said blood tests indicate Kala and Kiera may have a short stay at the animal hospital.

“I would expect two to four days of hospitalization,” Fahmy-Rhys added.

Once released from the animal hospital, Kala and Keira, will be under a two-week hold in their foster home. They will also need to be spayed and micro-chipped, as is typical protocol for a pet rescue group.

A permanent home is still needed for both pups, Angels Among Us said.

“Kala especially has bonded with Keira,” said Angels Rescue foster Cris Folchitto. “So, they may want to find a permanent home together.”

Anyone who is interested in adopting one -- or both -- can visit the Angels Among Us website.

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Photo credit: Malena Evans/Etowah Valley Humane Society