Summary
Shelter staff in Virginia found a stray dog showing signs of illness and tested him for drugs, revealing he was on cocaine. The dog, now safe and named "I’m Happy to Be Here," is recovering and will be available for adoption soon. Drug exposure among pets, including dogs, is not uncommon in the U.S., with increasing cases reported in recent years.
Key Facts
- Shelter staff in Richmond, Virginia, tested a stray dog for drugs after noticing he was wobbling and vomiting.
- The dog tested positive for cocaine, a surprising result for the shelter workers.
- The shelter named the dog "I’m Happy to Be Here" and reported he is doing well now.
- The dog was bathed and monitored to ensure his recovery from the drug exposure.
- Drug exposure among dogs is not uncommon; a study found 433 dogs exposed to cocaine or meth from 2019 to 2023.
- Recreational drugs accounted for 2.1% of all pet exposure cases reported to a poison control center in 2024.
- The shelter aims to find a home for the dog after his stray hold period ends.
