At ICARE, we are committed to providing the best care possible for every dog that comes through our doors. One of the most critical steps in ensuring the health of our dogs, especially puppies, is protecting them from parvovirus—commonly known as parvo. In this blog post, we’ll explain what parvo is, why it’s so serious, the signs you should watch for, who is most at risk, and how ICARE takes steps to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus.

What is Parvo?

Parvo is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily targets the gastrointestinal system of dogs, though it can also affect the heart muscles in very young puppies. The virus spreads easily through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated objects like food bowls, bedding, or even on the hands and clothing of people who have handled an infected dog.

How Serious is Parvo?

Parvo is one of the most serious diseases that can affect dogs, particularly puppies. Without prompt treatment, the mortality rate is alarmingly high, reaching up to 90% in severe cases. Even with treatment, the virus can be life-threatening, making early detection and prevention crucial. Parvo causes severe dehydration, damages the intestines, and weakens the immune system, leaving the dog vulnerable to other infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Parvo

Recognizing the signs of parvo early is essential for effective treatment. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

• Severe vomiting: Dogs with parvo often experience intense vomiting, which can lead to rapid dehydration.
• Diarrhea: Often bloody, the diarrhea associated with parvo is frequent and can be extremely dehydrating.
• Lethargy: Infected dogs typically become very tired, weak, and uninterested in their usual activities.
• Loss of appetite: A dog with parvo will usually refuse food and water.
• Fever: A high fever is common in the early stages of parvo, though some dogs may have a lower-than-normal temperature instead.

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, especially if they are a puppy or unvaccinated, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Who is Most Susceptible to Parvo?

Puppies between the ages of six weeks to six months are the most susceptible to parvo. The virus is particularly dangerous for puppies who haven’t completed their full vaccination series. Certain breeds, including Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and American Pit Bull Terriers, are also at a higher risk of contracting parvo.

While adult dogs can also be affected, the disease is generally more severe in puppies, making vaccination and early preventive care critical.

How ICARE Prevents Parvo

At ICARE, the health and safety of our dogs are our top priorities. We take several important steps to prevent the spread of parvo among our dogs:

1. Vaccination: Every dog that comes into our care receives a comprehensive vaccination, including protection against parvo. This is a key part of our commitment to ensuring that all our dogs are healthy and ready for adoption.
2. Quarantine: We quarantine all puppies for a set number of days upon arrival. This precautionary measure allows us to monitor for any signs of parvo or other illnesses before they are introduced to the general dog population. By isolating new arrivals, we minimize the risk of spreading parvo to other dogs in our care.
3. Hygiene and Sanitation: We maintain strict hygiene standards in our facilities, regularly cleaning and disinfecting areas where dogs are housed. This helps to reduce the risk of virus transmission through contaminated surfaces.

Parvo is a serious and potentially deadly virus, but with proper care and preventive measures, it can be effectively managed. At ICARE, we go above and beyond to ensure that every dog in our care is vaccinated against parvo and other common diseases. Through our quarantine procedures and dedication to maintaining a clean environment, we strive to keep all our dogs safe and healthy.

Remember, adopting a dog is a lifelong commitment, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Visit us or contact us to learn more about our adoption process and how we work to protect the health of every dog we rescue.

At ICARE, we are dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals in need, but currently, we are facing a serious challenge. Our shelter, ideally designed to house 12 dogs and 8 kittens, is now home to 26 dogs and 11 kittens. This means we are operating at more than double our intended capacity for dogs and over 37% more for kittens.

The Overcrowding Crisis

The main reason for this overcrowding is the sheer number of unwanted animals in our county. Unfortunately, many of the animals we rescue were clearly dumped by their previous owners. This is especially heartbreaking when it comes to puppies and kittens, who are often the most vulnerable and in need of urgent care.

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering

We want to take this opportunity to stress the importance of spaying and neutering pets. If your pet is not spayed or neutered and spends any time outdoors, there is a high probability that they could contribute to an unwanted litter. These unwanted litters often end up at shelters like ours, further exacerbating the overcrowding problem.

Spaying and neutering pets is not only responsible but also helps to control the animal population and reduce the number of homeless animals. It also brings health benefits to pets, such as reduced risks of certain cancers and other health issues.

How You Can Help

Our shelter is in urgent need of various supplies to care for the increased number of animals. If you are able to donate, we would be incredibly grateful. We have created a list of items we need on our Amazon wishlist. Every little bit helps, and your generosity can make a big difference in the lives of these animals.

Donate via our Amazon Wishlist

Join Us in Making a Difference

We are deeply committed to every animal that comes into our care, but we cannot do it alone. Your support, whether through donations or by helping to spread the word about responsible pet ownership, is vital. Together, we can work towards a future where every animal has a loving home and shelters are no longer overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.

The Adoption Process

Adopting a pet from ICARE is a straightforward and rewarding process. Here’s how you can bring home your new furry friend:

1. Complete an Application: Fill out our adoption application online at www.icarearkansas.com/application. We ask that applications be submitted 72 hours in advance to allow us time to review and contact you.
2. Meet and Greet: Once we receive your application, we will contact you within 72 hours to arrange a meet and greet with the pet you are interested in.
3. Visit the Shelter: You can also stop by our shelter on Saturdays from 9am to noon to see our dogs and cats in person. Please keep in mind that many of our animals are in foster homes. If you are interested in a specific pet, please call us ahead of time so we can arrange for the pet to be at the shelter for your visit.

We are committed to matching our animals with loving and responsible families. Your interest in adoption not only changes the life of the pet you welcome into your home but also helps us to continue rescuing more animals in need.

Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the ICARE community. Let’s work together to ensure that every pet gets the chance at a happy, healthy life.

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ICARE Shelter Location:
214 Circle Dr, Melbourne, next to the sheriff’s office
Open Saturdays 9am-noon

At ICARE, we believe every dog deserves a second chance at happiness, no matter their past. That’s where our extraordinary team of Dog Whisperers comes in – the unsung heroes of our shelter. These compassionate individuals possess a remarkable gift: the ability to turn fear into trust, and despair into hope, for our most vulnerable canine residents.

The transformation we see in these dogs is a testament to the power of kindness and patience. Each dog that warms up to human interaction stands a higher chance of finding their forever home. This is the ultimate goal of our Dog Whisperers: to guide these blessed souls into the arms of a loving family.

Our Dog Whisperers are the heart and soul of ICARE, and their impact resonates throughout our community. We invite you to be part of this life-changing journey. Whether you’re looking to adopt, volunteer, or support our cause, your contribution makes a world of difference in the lives of these deserving dogs.

Together, we can continue to write hopeful new chapters in the lives of our canine friends, turning fear into love, one dog at a time.

Hey there, future pet parents! You’re one step closer to adding a furry friend to your family, and we’re here to help make it happen. But first, let’s talk about the 72-hour wait after you submit your adoption application. You might wonder why we take this time. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Wait: When you fall in love with a pet at our shelter, or even if you’ve just met them, we ask for a little patience. Our team takes 72 hours to process your application. This isn’t to slow you down but to ensure a forever, loving home for our animals.

The Tough Reality: We’ve seen the hard side of life for these animals. Abandonment hurts them deeply, both emotionally and physically. We’ve dried our tears and set a mission: no more heartache for these pets.

Our Commitment: Our adoption committee works diligently during these 72 hours. They’re not just ticking boxes; they’re calling references, assessing environments, and ensuring that your home is a perfect match for a pet’s forever home.

Why Every Detail Matters: We focus on quality, not speed. For animals in foster care, we ask you to apply first. This avoids unnecessary emotional rollercoasters for everyone involved, including our invaluable foster parents. Remember, most of our pets are in loving foster homes, not the shelter.

A Team Effort: We lean on amazing people to foster pets, and we’re all about not inconveniencing these heroes. It’s all hands on deck as we look for the right match.

We hope this sheds light on our process. We’re all in for giving pets the best life. Got questions? Reach out anytime. Let’s find forever homes together!

Introducing ICARE’s Real-Life Room: A Haven for Dogs, Volunteers, and Adopters

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new real-life room at ICARE Animal Rescue!

Here at ICARE, our commitment to the welfare of animals is unwavering. We’re constantly exploring innovative ways to ensure our furry residents have the best possible environment while they await their forever homes. And that’s where our real-life room comes into play. It’s not just a room; it’s a space with a triple mission!

1. A Sanctuary for Our Volunteers and Dogs

Being in a kennel with four concrete walls can be stressful for our dogs, especially when they’ve been through challenging experiences. Our real-life room is designed to be a soothing oasis where dogs can decompress, unwind, and feel like they’re in a home-like setting.

Stress Reduction for Dogs

Kennels, with their limited space and constant exposure to other dogs, can sometimes overwhelm our residents. In the real-life room, they can experience a calmer and more serene environment. This not only helps reduce stress but also aids in the dog’s emotional and psychological recovery.

Adjusting to Real Life

Getting used to a “real-life” setting is crucial for our dogs’ chances of successful adoption. The room is furnished to simulate a home environment, making the transition to their new homes much smoother.

Mental Stimulation

We understand that mental stimulation is vital for a dog’s well-being. That’s why our real-life room features special toys designed to keep their minds engaged. One such fantastic creation is the “Lick Mat.” A simple yet brilliant tool, the Lick Mat can be spread with peanut butter or yogurt, and it takes the dog some time to lick it clean. This kind of activity offers them a sense of achievement and keeps their minds busy. It’s also a great way to create positive associations with the room.

Quality Toys and Treats

In addition to the Lick Mat, we’ve stocked the room with high-quality toys and treats. These items help the dogs feel excited about spending time in the room, further promoting their emotional well-being.

2. A Private Haven for Potential Adopters

Adopting a dog is a big decision, and we want our potential adopters to have the best experience possible when choosing their new furry family member. Our real-life room provides them with the privacy and comfort they need to truly get to know the dogs they’re interested in.

Confidence-Building for Dogs

The real-life room plays a significant role in building confidence in our dogs. With the familiar and comforting environment, our canine residents become more relaxed and open to interaction. They are more likely to showcase their true personalities when meeting potential adopters. This boosts their chances of finding their forever homes.

A Homey Experience

The room’s design mirrors a home, making it easier for potential adopters to visualize how the dog will fit into their lives. From lounging on a dog bed to taking leisurely strolls around the room, the dogs can show off their behavior in a relaxed atmosphere.

3. A Place for Volunteer Training

Our volunteers are the backbone of ICARE Animal Rescue, and their dedication is unparalleled. The real-life room will also serve as a hub for volunteer training.

 

We believe that the introduction of our real-life room at ICARE Animal Rescue is a significant step towards improving the lives of our dogs, ensuring their successful adoption, and providing valuable training for our volunteers.

Our commitment to creating a haven for our residents and a welcoming environment for adopters and volunteers remains unshaken. We’re excited about the positive impact our real-life room will have on the lives of the animals and the people who love them. Join us in celebrating this new chapter of compassion and care. Together, we can make a real difference for animals in need.

Watch Rufus, a timid soul, as he takes his first steps into our Real-Life Room. In just two days, he’s gone from scared and shaking to a tail-wagging, belly-rub-loving, and playful pup. Discover the incredible transformation that’s possible when love and care meet a welcoming, home-like environment. Join us in celebrating Rufus’s journey and the impact of ICARE’s Real-Life Room on dogs like him. Don’t miss this heartwarming tale of transformation and hope.

At ICARE (Izard County Animal Rescue Effort), we are passionate about providing a second chance to homeless dogs and cats in Izard County. We are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous grant from the MFA Oil Foundation, which will greatly benefit our new shelter. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to MFA Oil and highlight the significant impact this grant will have on our organization and the community we serve.

MFA Oil, a company dedicated to improving communities where its members and employees reside, has demonstrated their commitment to our cause. Terry McCallie, MFA’s District Manager of Arkansas; Randy Pace, Board of Director representing West Plains MO down to and including Arkansas; and Rusty Shipley, the local manager overseeing the territory from Batesville, Mountain Home, to Mammoth Springs, took the time and effort to personally deliver the grant to ICARE. We are immensely thankful for their support and the genuine interest they have shown in our mission.

The grant received from MFA Oil will enable us to purchase a commercial-grade washer for our new shelter. This investment will revolutionize our laundry operations and bring a multitude of benefits. With a larger capacity, the commercial washer will allow us to process laundry more efficiently, reducing the number of loads and saving valuable time and resources. Additionally, commercial laundry equipment is designed to withstand heavy usage, ensuring its durability and reliability in meeting the demands of our busy shelter.

The new shelter, made possible in part by the MFA Oil grant, will greatly enhance the services we can offer to both animals and the community. In addition to providing a safe haven for homeless dogs and cats, the facility will serve as a hub for various activities. We envision hosting shot clinics, dog washes, and adoption events to raise awareness and facilitate the adoption process. Moreover, the shelter may potentially become a venue for spay/neuter clinics, further promoting responsible pet ownership.

ICARE is funded through grants and donations, which play a crucial role in supporting our ongoing rescue efforts. The grant from MFA Oil represents a significant milestone for us, as it strengthens our ability to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

The generous grant from MFA Oil has brought us one step closer to realizing our vision of a dedicated shelter that caters to the needs of homeless animals in Izard County. We extend our deepest gratitude to MFA Oil and its employees for their support and belief in our mission.

The shelter progress is in full swing! Today, we completed the drywall installation – a major step forward. Next on the list, the electrician will be paying a visit. We’re thrilled to report that we’ve also acquired a brand new toilet, sink, and hot water heater, all of which will be installed soon. As an added bonus, a fence will be going up before you know it. We’re getting closer and closer to the grand opening!

While we’re nearing the finish line, there are still some additional expenses we need to cover to make the shelter fully operational. That’s where you come in! Your generous donations can play a vital role in helping us open our doors to furry friends in need. Every contribution, big or small, goes a long way in supporting our mission.

To show our appreciation, we’re offering Sponsorship plaques that will be proudly displayed throughout the shelter. Purchasing a sponsorship plaque not only demonstrates your commitment to animal welfare but also leaves a lasting impact on the lives of these precious creatures. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to secure your plaque:

Forever Recognition

Your name or the name of a loved one will be immortalized in the shelter, reminding everyone of your compassion and dedication to animals.

Community Support

By purchasing a plaque, you’re sending a powerful message to your community, inspiring others to join the cause and make a difference.

Lasting Legacy

Your sponsorship will help sustain the shelter and its initiatives for years to come, creating a positive legacy of animal care and rescue in our county.

Heartwarming Memories

Each time you visit the shelter, you’ll be reminded of the lives you’ve touched and the impact you’ve made. It’s an experience that warms the heart and brings joy.

So, don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be a part of something truly special. Help us create a safe haven for animals in Izard County. Together, we can transform lives, one wagging tail at a time!

Remember, every donation matters.  Download our Shelter Sponsorship form to learn more about how you can contribute and secure your plaque today.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope for our furry friends in need.