I've adopted a 4 year old shih tzu from a rescue group located 3 hours away from me. It was a cash transaction and I forgot to get the paperwork they had for her, so the only proof I have from even being there is the receipt and credit card slip (with my name on it) for the squeaky toy I bought at the pet store where the adoption event was taking place. I was told she was heartworm negative and up to date on her vaccinations and she seemed fine the day I got her, but then seemed sick the second day and just got progressively worse. I took her to the after hours vet on the third night and she was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and sent home with antibiotics and appetite stimulant. She kept getting worse, so today (the fifth day) we went back to our normal vet where more tests were done and the diagnosis was parvo. I have heard how horrible this virus is, but the vet wants to try to save her. Since she's not a puppy or a senior, she is giving her a 50/50 chance of survival. She is currently in quarantine and sedated (for the pain) at the vet's office and will stay there as long as improvement is seen. If none is seen, she will have to be euthanized. The vet has assured me that there is no way that she could've contracted this after adoption, that she would've had to have gotten it at the rescue group.

Among other concerns, I am worried about all the other dogs that were exposed to the virus that this rescue group adopted out the same day as mine, plus the ones who weren't adopted and could be spreading it to even more rescued dogs. I have tried calling them and I had the vet's office call them as well and neither of us have been contacted back. Also, I would really like to have my adoption fee refunded to help offset the cost of the vet bills (the group could pay the vet directly if they so desired, as far as I'm concerned). The vet is going to work with me on the cost, but I know it will be very expensive.

What options do I have at this point and how should I approach this rescue group?
user
The dog I rescued
assistant
I've adopted a 4 year old shih tzu from a rescue group located 3 hours away from me. It was a cash transaction and I forgot to get the paperwork they had for her, so the only proof I have from even being there is the receipt and credit card slip (with my name on it) for the squeaky toy I bought at the pet store where the adoption event was taking place. I was told she was heartworm negative and up to date on her vaccinations and she seemed fine the day I got her, but then seemed sick the second day and just got progressively worse. I took her to the after hours vet on the third night and she was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and sent home with antibiotics and appetite stimulant. She kept getting worse, so today (the fifth day) we went back to our normal vet where more tests were done and the diagnosis was parvo. I have heard how horrible this virus is, but the vet wants to try to save her. Since she's not a puppy or a senior, she is giving her a 50/50 chance of survival. She is currently in quarantine and sedated (for the pain) at the vet's office and will stay there as long as improvement is seen. If none is seen, she will have to be euthanized. The vet has assured me that there is no way that she could've contracted this after adoption, that she would've had to have gotten it at the rescue group.

Among other concerns, I am worried about all the other dogs that were exposed to the virus that this rescue group adopted out the same day as mine, plus the ones who weren't adopted and could be spreading it to even more rescued dogs. I have tried calling them and I had the vet's office call them as well and neither of us have been contacted back. Also, I would really like to have my adoption fee refunded to help offset the cost of the vet bills (the group could pay the vet directly if they so desired, as far as I'm concerned). The vet is going to work with me on the cost, but I know it will be very expensive.

What options do I have at this point and how should I approach this rescue group?
user
I adopted a dog
assistant