Utah family bought sick dog from SLC home where over 100 dogs were rescued

When Ashley England met a woman in Salt Lake City’s lower Avenues in November, she thought she was buying the perfect Christmas surprise — a young chihuahua for her family.

“We got her home, and the next day, she was just puking everywhere,” England said. “At first, I thought maybe it was just the new environment. But then she became really lethargic, and it kept getting worse.”

After taking the puppy — named Suki — to the vet, England learned she had parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly illness in young dogs. Without treatment, Suki would not have survived another 24 hours, England said.

After three stressful and costly days at the vet, Suki survived, England said.

Nine months later, animal control officers rescued more than 100 dogs and a tortoise from that same w