The Central Dakota Humane Society was contacted regarding a stray dog who was hanging around a farmstead in a small community close to Bismarck. The caller indicated the dog had been there for several days and seemed exceptionally good natured. Fortunately we had the kennel space to take this wayward boy in. We named him Zed and placed him in a kennel to wait out the normal seven-day quarantine period.
The day after his arrival, the woman who brought him to our shelter called to say that her neighbor had seen Zed in an altercation with a skunk. She was wise to report this new information to our facility! We contacted our veterinarian who immediately placed Zed under a strict rabies quarantine. Zed was observed very closely (and cautiously) during this time and, fortunately for all, no sign of this deadly disease ever manifested itself.
We all breathed a sigh of relief! Rabies, while quite serious, is only one of the perils that cats and dogs encounter when left on their own to survive. Please do all you can to protect your animals and other people from this deadly virus. Rabies vaccinations are inexpensive and can save the life of pets and people! Our posting of the following information was prompted by Zed's experience.
According to the North Dakota Department of Health, the following steps can help protect your pet from rabies: