Bucktown resident Gina Carr exercises her dog, Charlie, in Churchill Park. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
FOREST GLEN — The only no-kill shelter on the Far Northwest Side is open again after tests showed the flu that sickened thousands of animals and killed a half-dozen pets in Chicago, did not spread from one ill dog, officials said in a message to supporters.
Chicago Canine Rescue was closed for six days after a dog was diagnosed with the flu, officials said.
"We are so proud of our awesome staff and vets for responding to this crisis so proactively and carefully, and are continuing to take our vets' lead on safely moving forward," officials wrote.
Jasmine, a dog that was adopted from the no-kill shelter at 5272 N. Elston Ave. eight years ago, was returned to the shelter May 3 after spending some time in a local boarding facility where she caught the contagious respiratory virus, officials said in a message to supporters and volunteers.
Jasmine is still isolated, and dogs at the shelter are not being allowed to socialize, officials said.
Adoptions are being allowed only for to single-dog households, and new owners are asked to isolated their dogs for an additional week to ensure they aren't sick, shelter officials said.
"We are very hopeful that we have seen the tail end of [the flu] at [the shelter], but want to act as conservatively as possible to ensure the continued safety of our pups and our community," officials wrote.
The shelter will host its annual yard sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the shelter to raise money to fund its operations. Krispy Kreme donuts will be available for purchase.
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