“Rabies Free” Party! Dog Attacked by Coyote Ready for Forever Home
The wait is finally over for one of San Diego Humane Society’s most resilient survivors. Today, a 10-month-old Maltese named Churro traded his quarantine status for a celebration six months in the making. After 180 days of isolation following a presumed coyote attack, Churro officially “graduated” to rabies-free status with a party marking his recovery.
Churro’s journey began as a medical emergency on Sept. 6, 2025. The tiny puppy was rushed to San Diego Humane Society after being found in a backyard with a severed limb. At the Pilar & Chuck Bahde Center for Shelter Medicine, Churro underwent a lifesaving left forelimb amputation and treatment for severe neck wounds. Because he had not been previously vaccinated, the law required a six-month rabies quarantine.
Today’s celebration was a milestone not just for Churro, but for his foster mom, San Diego Humane Society Veterinary Manager Dr. Sylvia Nagy. “From the moment he came in for emergency surgery, to his final day of quarantine, he has shown us nothing but bravery,” said Nagy. “We’ve waited 180 days to say ‘you can now pet him.’ He’s officially rabies-free, healthy and more than ready to bring joy to a new family.”
Churro, who is navigating life as a “tripawd” quite well, proves that even the smallest survivors can have the biggest hearts.
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