What began as a routine shelter adoption has turned into a rabies scare for a Dallas couple, who are now finishing a course of post-exposure treatment after their new dog bit one of them and later tested positive for the virus. The two-year-old dog, named Cali, was adopted from a Polk County shelter in mid-April and, according to the family, was affectionate until she bit without warning. State laboratory testing later confirmed rabies, and the shelter euthanized Cali after she was returned. The couple’s two other pets are now in a multi-month quarantine while public health officials investigate how the infection happened.
As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, Cedartown/Polk County Humane Society director Charlotte Harrison said the dog's remains were sent to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory for confirmation and that shelter records show the animal received two rabies vaccinations over the last two years. Harrison also told the station the shelter refunded the family's $200 adoption fee and plans to review its documentation and protocols. Investigators say they do not yet know where or when the animal encountered the virus.
"The most painful day was yesterday, getting the injections into the bite wounds," David Clark told FOX 5 Atlanta, describing the combination of wound care and rabies vaccine doses he received at a medical facility. Clark said he also got four additional shots across his arms and buttocks, and his partner, Ansley Hart, said the ordeal has shaken the couple’s trust in adopting. They returned the dog to the shelter immediately after the bite and are following public health instructions while they recover.
How health officials handle exposures
The Georgia Department of Public Health outlines a tiered approach to animal exposures: animals that are currently vaccinated often receive a booster shot and home observation, while unvaccinated animals exposed to a confirmed rabid animal may face strict quarantine for about four months or, in some cases, euthanasia, with local authorities determining the response based on the situation. Georgia DPH notes that quarantine lengths and available options can vary by county and resources.
For people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends prompt wound care plus rabies post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent infection. The regimen includes human rabies immune globulin and a four-dose vaccine schedule given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. CDC provides detailed clinical guidance for clinicians and patients on when and how to use the treatment.
Shelter background and next steps
The Cedartown/Polk County Humane Society operates as a local no-kill adoption and animal-care organization and runs low-cost spay and neuter programs, according to its website. Cedartown/Polk County Humane Society says vaccinations are part of its intake and adoption process and that it will review records and procedures following this case. Local public health officials will continue contact tracing and offer guidance for anyone who may have been exposed.
Health authorities remind residents that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear and that prevention depends on keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations and seeking immediate medical advice after any bite. Georgia DPH advises people who are bitten to thoroughly clean the wound, contact a medical provider and their local health department, and ask about post-exposure prophylaxis when indicated. Georgia DPH and local health departments can help coordinate testing, quarantine, and treatment plans.
