Dallas Nurse Reunites with Beloved Dog after Successful Ebola Treatment

Lady hugging her King Charles Spaniel

Nina Pham, the Dallas Nurse who contracted Ebola after treating patient Thomas Duncan, has been happily reunited with her King Charles Spaniel, Bentley, reports CNN.com. Pham, who tested positive for the Ebola virus soon after it claimed Duncan’s life, was subsequently quarantined and treated at the National Institute of Health in Maryland.

Unfortunately, there has already been a canine causality as a result of Ebola. Click here to read more about Excalibur, the dog euthanized in Spain. Dallas officials decided against euthanasia for Bentley, opting instead to isolate and monitor him.

CNN’s website reports that hazmat caregivers tested Bentley and checked on him three times per day. “He’s such a joy,” said Dr. Crate McManus, operations manager of Dallas Animal Services. “I can’t wait to see him on talk shows when he’s healthy and out there.”

As for Pham, she’s overjoyed to have her canine companion back. “I didn’t know what would happen to Bentley or if he would have the virus…I would not know what would happen to one of my best friends.” After Pham was reunited with Bentley she thanked Dallas veterinary officials and others for showing compassion and caring for Bentley when she could not.  

Clearly, not all endings have been happy in the wake of Ebola, and the future remains to be seen. That’s perhaps why so many have been moved by this story. Pham says, “America has been shown that compassion and love is abundant in life.” Click here to learn what the CDC has to say about Ebola in dogs.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

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Tuesday, November 4, 2014