Dumaguete Animal Sanctuary

Every Life Matters

Nebula

Rabies – The Truth

The Truth About Rabies

We are seeing an increasing number of Rabies cases in our rescues - two having been at the Sanctuary for a number of days - Nebula and Scarjo.   There are a number of misconceptions about Rabies so here are some true facts.

True Rabies Facts

  • Dogs are NOT born with Rabies - they only get infected from the saliva of an infected animal
  • Rabies is 100 percent fatal for both humans and animals
  • Dogs are only infectious and therefore dangerous when they are showing clinical signs - as the virus needs to have traveled through the brain to the salivary glands before it can be passed on
  • The only way to protect yourself and your pets is to get vaccinated
  • The Rabies vaccination is one of THE most effective vaccines there is

From time to time we are able to offer FREE rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats at the Sanctuary.  
Please get in touch with us to find out more.

Nebula

Nebula

Named Nebula by the reporter who bought her in, she was in very poor shape, having suffered a hit-and-run by a motorcycle that severed her leg around the end of June 2021.  The reporter offered to raise funds for her, and adopt her when she was better.  

The surgery was successful, and Nebula was scheduled to return to her new adopted home.  She was eating well, and responding positively as you can see in this video clip from 1 July 2021.

Sadly, just as she was recovering at the Sanctuary, she began showing signs of extreme aggressive behaviour.  Rapid temperament change like this is an indication of Rabies, as is a fear of water (Hydrophobia) which she quickly developed.  

She tried to bite everyone who came near, chew at her cage, despite never showing signs of aggression before.  It was with a heavy heart we decided to put her to sleep on Monday 12 July 2021, as Rabies is always fatal for dogs, and is dangerous to humans.  It is such a shame she was so close to enjoying a loving home at last.