‘I love and miss you forever’: Connie, the container dog rescued at the Port of Houston, dies of a rare infection

A dog rescued after being found in a shipping container at the Port of Houston earlier this year has died from a rare infection.

The golden retriever, nicknamed “Connie the Container Dog,” was found in a cargo container in January by a U.S. Coast Guard team conducting its daily inspections at the port.

After the rescue, Connie was taken to Forever Changed Animal Rescue in Maryland.

Sadly, the rescue organization posted on Facebook on June 28 that Connie had died from a rare infection called pythiosis.

“Pythium is extremely rare and almost never seen in dogs in our area of ​​the country, but is more common in other areas, including Texas. It is an extremely aggressive fungal infection that animals can get from swimming in or ingesting contaminated water. It is heartbreaking to think that Connie likely became infected while simply trying to get a drink to survive on the streets of Texas, especially in the unbearable heat down there,” the rescue organization said.

Rescue workers explained that the prognosis for pythiosis is poor in most cases, but there are some promising new results with aggressive treatment using a combination of oral antifungals, steroids, injectable immunotherapy and surgery.

“Connie had lesions in her gastrointestinal tract that made her very ill, but we were determined to give her the best chance of survival. She was consulted by specialists, given modern imaging, numerous diagnostic tests, hospitalized, given blood transfusions, etc. and we were in contact with veterinarians who have expertise and years of research and experience in treating pythiosis. Unfortunately, despite all the resources and treatments we could find, Connie deteriorated rapidly,” the rescue organization said. “After everything she had been through and survived, we just couldn’t believe her story was going to end this way. She was such a young dog with the absolute sweetest disposition and yet she was such a fighter, a true survivor. She deserved so many years of love and happiness and she had found THE MOST PERFECT family to finally give her that. While we are glad she had a few good months of happiness and love, it will never seem like it was enough. She deserved more.”

The rescue organization said that while the fatal fungal infection robbed Connie of the life she deserved, she left behind a legacy with her story and her eight puppies.

The rescue organization hopes to use Connie’s story to raise awareness about issues such as better animal care and spaying or neutering.

“There are too many dogs and not enough people dedicated to rescuing, fostering or adopting them. Stricter laws regarding animal ownership/treatment and spaying/neutering are urgently needed across the country,” the rescue organization said.

Rescue workers shared several photos from Connie’s final weeks.

“Connie, we are so sorry. If love could have saved you, you would still be with us, sweet girl. We love and miss you always. You fought so hard and deserved so much more. Rest in peace, perfect girl. We will certainly never forget you.”