Treasure Coast residents fear toxic algae is poisoning their pets
At least 3 dogs treated for symptoms of toxic poisoning
At least 3 dogs treated for symptoms of toxic poisoning
At least 3 dogs treated for symptoms of toxic poisoning
Becky Harris strapped leashes on her two dogs and walked out the back door of her Stuart home.
It’s something she never used to do.
Harris has always allowed her dogs to run free in her backyard.
She said they never ran away and were always safe.
But a week ago Sunday, that all changed.
That’s because a week ago Sunday, Harris’ 2-year-old mini Pomeranian, Pandora, almost died.
“She got ahold of something in her mouth, went underneath our sea grapes and ate whatever she had,” Harris said.
Harris believes Pandora grabbed a catfish off the beach behind their home and had herself a snack.
Within hours, Pandora was violently ill.
“She throws up probably another three or four times,” Harris said. “She gets quiet and then she becomes lethargic.”
Harris rushed Pandora to the animal hospital.
They diagnosed her with liver damage, low platelets and trouble clotting.
All are symptoms of toxic poisoning.
Pandora spent the next four days in the hospital.
Harris wasn’t sure if her baby would ever come home.
“She's part of the family,” Harris said. “We love her. It was scary.”
Pandora needed a number of medications and a plasma transfusion.
She’s now on the mend.
Harris and her veterinarian believe Pandora may have been sickened by toxic blue-green algae in the water.
“There’s been algae on our beach. There was probably algae on that catfish,” Harris said.
On Tuesday night, algae could clearly be seen on the beach behind Harris’ home.
What happened to Pandora has shaken Harris and she wants to make sure it doesn’t happen to other pet owners.
At least two other dogs in Stuart have been sickened like Pandora, perhaps also by toxic algae.
Harris said she hopes state decision makers are paying attention.
“She’s so cute,” Harris said of Pandora. “And I just hope she brings attention to the important people out there that can make the change.”
Harris has been able to pay her substantial vet bills for Pandora’s treatment.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the owners of the other dogs who have been sickened.
You can access that account by clicking here.