SAN ANTONIO – What started as a river trip turned into a nightmare for two dog owners when their four-legged friends became sick and one died.
Kinsey Perry, her friend Larissa Parker and their five dogs were gathered near the Guadalupe River south trail.
"We were hanging out with the dogs, and then about 45 minutes after we had been here, our dogs started showing symptoms. My dog was the first to be affected,” Perry said. “He started choking. He was whining, walking away from us as if he was in pain.”
As they were tending to one dog, two others became sick.
"They were foaming from the mouth. Their eyes were kind of glazed over just very hazy looking," Parker said.
Parker’s dog, Hunnie, died. The other two were taken to the vet.
"I think the biggest thing to take away from this is that these dogs are coming from two separate homes. It's not like it could have been anything else,” Parker said. “They were both in the same environment. They were both in the same area, and all three were contaminated.”
A day later, Parker and Perry said a warning and notice was posted.
"Saturday, when we were here, the sign was not posted. And then we came Sunday just to check out the area to check for the specific type of algae, which we saw no signs of, and the sign was posted, warning people," Perry said.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority posted the following statement on its Facebook page:
“Temperatures and other factors in late summer and early fall combined with low flow releases can create conditions favorable for blue-green algae to develop. Such seasonal occurrences are marked by strong hydrogen sulfide odors and algae blooms. While a potential algae bloom in the area below Canyon Reservoir Dam has been reported, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority wants to provide assurances that the water treatment processes of public water systems ensure safe drinking water. GBRA staff has taken water samples from the reported area for analysis. When results of those analyses are available, GBRA will provide an update. In the interim, individuals should exercise caution around areas of rivers or creeks with stagnant water, as it can increase the chance for harmful contact. Pets also should be kept on leashes and not allowed to drink from stagnant water areas.”
