PARKER COUNTY, Texas - A couple who picked up an abandoned puppy are now undergoing rabies treatments after they discovered the collie mix was infected with the disease.
The eight-week-old, whimpering puppy was found by Joann Noah's grandson.
"It was under our house and just about bout froze to death,' Noah said. "He brought it in. Poor little thing was covered with fleas, so we de-flead him and gave him a bath."
The Noahs already had seven other pets before taking in the dog. During the three days the family cared for the dog, James Noah, 33, was bitten on the hand and his girlfriend bitten on the ankle.
On Christmas Eve, test results revealed they had been infected with rabies.
"The doctor said, 'It was a good thing they didn't wait until Monday because it would have been too late. We couldn't have given you the shot because it wouldn't have done any good. You would have been dead within 48 hours," Noah said.
The couple has since been treated and so have their dogs, who may have also been bitten.
"Anyone who has been in contact with that dog needs to get to a doctor," Noah said.
The puppy was put down by the animal shelter. Officials said they have no knowledge of where exactly the puppy came from and whether or not any other puppies from the litter were infected.
