DENVER — Attendees of a puppy adoption event in Sheridan are being asked to contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) , as health officials say they may have been exposed to rabies. A puppy at the Moms and Mutts Colorado (MAMCO) Rescue for Pregnant and Nursing Dogs adoption event, held on Saturday, July 20, tested positive for rabies on Wednesday after it was euthanized, CDPHE said in a release. MAMCO Director Aron Jones said it breaks her heart, knowing puppies are being euthanized.
She said while she doesn't agree with the state's call, she doesn't have a choice in the decision. "I definitely told them we should explore other options, other vaccine protocols," Jones said. "I definitely put my two cents in there, but I didn’t have a choice when it came to the final decision and cooperating with that.
" Jones said she doesn't believe any of the puppies in the litter are sick, which makes the euthanasia process hurt even more. "We’re all extremely sad for these adopters and these puppies," Jones said. "It’s just really hard to say it’s okay to euthanize perfectly healthy puppies.
" According to the department, euthanizing an animal is the only way to test it for rabies. This is the first time a dog has tested positive for rabies in Colorado since 2020, per the release. Health officials ask that attendees who interacted with the "July Shepherd Mix litter," also referred to as "The Celebrity Kids litter," contact the health department for a.