EVERY year, the people at Dogs Trust care for hundreds of dogs and puppies, many of whom arrive unvaccinated or with no clear vaccination history.

While their dedicated team do everything possible to keep them safe, some arrive carrying deadly diseases that can have heartbreaking consequences.

One such case was Bruce, who was just two days old when he came into their care alongside his mum, Jade, and seven siblings. With Jade’s vaccination status unknown, staff took every precaution to protect the vulnerable family.

Despite their best efforts, Jade and her puppies tested positive for parvovirus, a highly contagious and often fatal disease.

Thanks to swift veterinary intervention, Jade was strong enough to fight the disease but, devastatingly, her puppies were not.

Every one of Bruce’s siblings succumbed to the disease, leaving him as the sole survivor of the litter. Today, Bruce and his mum are both thriving in their forever homes, but their story serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role vaccinations play in protecting dogs from preventable diseases and sparing families and their beloved pets from unnecessary heartbreak.

Dogs Trust urge dog owners to ensure their pets are up to date with their annual booster vaccinations and to speak to their vet if they are unsure what their dog needs.

Dogs Trust also offers a wealth of advice on responsible dog ownership and care, which can be found on the website DogsTrust.ie/Advice