Second chance for a pup with brucellosis

A happy grin stretching from ear to ear with a lolling tongue is the way Shiro greets everyone he meets. His signature husky mask can’t hide this big floofball’s joy.

Shiro came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary after veterinarians discovered he had brucellosis, a bacterial infection that’s highly contagious between dogs. There’s no treatment available that can completely eliminate the infection, and some places — including the state where Shiro lived — require strict lifelong quarantine for dogs with brucellosis.

But at the Sanctuary, Shiro’s diagnosis doesn’t define him. He receives all the care he needs while continuing to live a full, happy life. Best Friends’ goal is for all shelters to reach no-kill, and providing specialized veterinary care is one way we’re helping animal welfare organizations across the country save more pets’ lives.

Brucellosis primarily affects a dog’s reproductive system, but it doesn’t change a dog’s ability to play, explore, or soak up attention from their favorite people. With thoughtful management — including spay/neuter and simple hygiene practices like handwashing — dogs with brucellosis can continue to live happy, active lives.

That means Shiro still spends his days the way he likes best: heading out on walks and making the most of every opportunity to run, play, and connect.

A most joyful doggy duo

Shiro has canine pals at the Sanctuary who also have brucellosis, and they can play together. But to prevent the infection from spreading, they can’t come in direct contact with dogs who don’t have brucellosis.

The good news is Shiro and his pals can still make the most of all the Sanctuary has to offer — the dog park, the trails, and more. Brucellosis doesn’t live long in the environment. So as long as Shiro and the other dogs with the bacterial infection use spaces at designated times, they can romp to their hearts’ content.

Shiro will never say no to playtime with the friends he makes. “He’s such a fun boy,” says Best Friends caregiver Al Sawadan. “He has no less than two dozen toys scattered across his yard.” Al offers Shiro new toys every couple of days because Shiro finds so much joy in spreading them across his yard and choosing one to play with.

“He’ll greet you in the morning, waiting at the front of his run with one of his toys,” Al says. “He wants to show you his toy, and then he does zoomies, running out one door, through his yard, and then comes back in to see you again.”

Faces of No-Kill: Healing dog finds joy with pup pal

Dogs with brucellosis can be adopted into homes of their own, with location and safety considerations. But for now, Shiro is loving life in his home-between-homes at the Sanctuary. Whether it’s heading out for a walk with a caregiver, going with a volunteer for a sleepover, or showing off his new favorite toy, Shiro takes every experience in stride — just happy to be part of the fun.

Through it all, Shiro is still exactly who he’s always been: a joyful, carefree dog with plenty of love to give.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.