12 Shiba Inus Abandoned in Largo Park; Police Investigate

Largo Police are hunting for suspects who dumped 12 purebred Shiba Inus at Taylor Park last Friday. Every dog tested positive for parvovirus. Park rangers discovered nine puppies crammed inside a storage container. Two adult females wandered the grounds. A tenth puppy arrived Saturday night.

Skyway Animal Hospital in St. Petersburg is now treating the dogs, and four puppies hang on in critical condition. Medical staff say the animals have shown promising signs of recovery.

Dr. Jeff Cartzendafner and his team have been pulling marathon shifts since the dogs came through their doors. "Friday was a good 16-hour day and then yesterday and today were good 12-hour days," he said, according to FOX 13.

Parvovirus spreads fast and kills. Without treatment, only 10% of infected dogs survive, but quick medical care can push survival rates up to 90%.

The tenth puppy, named Frosty, went to St. Pete VEG on Saturday night before transferring to Skyway Animal Hospital the next day. Hospital workers and volunteers from Pawlicious Poochiee Pet Rescue have been providing constant care — IV fluids, medications, strict quarantine procedures — around the clock.

Each dog will require at least $3,000 in medical bills, according to the rescue group. The animals will remain hospitalized for two more weeks, then transfer to Pawlicious Poochiee Pet Rescue, where they'll finish recovery and become available for adoption.

Jaime McKnight, Founder of Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue, issued a stark warning to other pet owners. "Parvo is very deadly. It's very contagious, all the people walking their dogs in that park are exposed to it," she said.

The virus lingers in places where infected dogs have walked or defecated — sometimes for up to a year. Officials are urging dog owners to stay away from Taylor Park, particularly if their pets haven't been vaccinated, and to verify all vaccinations are up to date.

Staff gave the dogs holiday-themed names. Holly and Jolly are what they call the two mothers. The puppies got reindeer names.

Anyone with information about who abandoned the animals should contact the Largo Police Department at 727-587-6730.