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Nonprofit helps provide free vaccinations as number of dog flu cases increases in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the number of dog flu cases in Central Florida continues to increase, a nonprofit organization has provided funds to help owners vaccinate their pets for free.

Central Florida animal welfare group, Franklin’s Friends, gave an $8,000 donation to the Pet Alliance of Orlando to provide the vaccinations.

They are available to the public for free by appointment.

Karen Brant didn’t hesitate to get her dog, Mr. Buttons, vaccinated when she heard about the opportunity.

“He’s my life,” Brant said. “I mean, I don’t know what I would do without him. He is just so sweet.

“I don’t want him sick. He’s my baby.”

So far, the Pet Alliance has confirmed eight cases of dog flu in animals at its Orlando shelter.

An additional $5,000 donation from Franklin’s Friends will be used to care for the rest of the animals at the shelter.

The dog flu is airborne and extremely contagious and can be transferred from dog to dog through direct and indirect contact.

Owner Krissie Lee and her dog get out a lot, so she felt it was best to get the vaccination.

“We like to go to the dog park and I heard it’s around here, so just to be safe,” she said.

Monisha Seth, with Franklin’s Friends, said her organization was glad to be able to help the Pet Alliance as it grapples with the dog flu.

“Animals can’t help themselves,” she said. “This is so important. It’s such a great way to be able to prevent a bigger problem.”

All dog donations and adoptions have been suspended at the Orlando shelter, but people can still adopt dogs at the Pet Alliance’s Sanford shelter.

Free vaccinations are available at both shelters.