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How is Bentley? Support pours in for dog of nurse with Ebola

Well wishes — and some new toys — are pouring in for Bentley, the adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel whose owner Nina Pham is the first person to contract Ebola in the U.S.Pham is reportedly in good condition at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas and has expressed her thanks to Dallas Animal Services for the safety of her 1-year-old pup. Bentley was taken from her apartment o

Well wishes — and some new toys — are pouring in for Bentley, the adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel whose owner Nina Pham is the first person to contract Ebola in the U.S.

Pham is reportedly in good condition at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas and has expressed her thanks to Dallas Animal Services for the safety of her 1-year-old pup. Bentley was taken from her apartment on Monday and has been put into quarantine at a decommissioned naval base, which is owned by the city, as a precaution. 

On Wednesday, TODAY’s Carson Daly noted the messages of support flowing in for both Pham and her dog. Many people worried about the duo posted photos of their own dogs as they sent good thoughts, hoping the pair would be well and together again soon.

Jasper+and+Cooper+and+I+hope+Bentley+and+his+momma+are+home+and+well+very+soon.+#OrangeRoom+pic.twitter.com/IEuLKRzvui

—+Patti+Beebe+(@Grammieb5)+October+15,+2014+

An uproar broke out when authorities in Spain euthanized a dog belonging to a Spanish nurse with Ebola, as a precaution. Many expressed hope that Bentley would not meet a similarfate, tweeting with #SaveBentley.

The Dallas Animal Services shelter is now providing regular updates on the dog and is accepting donated items for Bentley like toys, pee pads and paper towels, with any extra going to help other dogs awaiting adoption.

#Bentley!!+He's+happy+this+morning.+Misses+his+mom+but+doing+quite+well!+Contact+us+if+you'd+like+to+help+w/his+care.+pic.twitter.com/q556fI8JgM

—+DallasAnimalServices+(@DallasShelter)+October+15,+2014+

"Just sent Bentley c/o DAS a gift pack from Amazon. Chew toy, rawhides, paper towels, wee wee pads and ever dogs' fave Pupperonis!" Jeff Teas wrote on the group's Facebook page.

The shelter has also been tweeting details about safety precautions taken during Bentley's care. 

FAQ's+about+#Bentley.+Here+is+some+info+to+help+clear+up+questions.++He's+doing+well+now.+pic.twitter.com/nUCW5X6pjC

—+DallasAnimalServices+(@DallasShelter)+October+14,+2014+

“Hang in there Nina and Bentley! I just know there will be an awesome outcome for you both!!!” Brittney Wilk wrote on the Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center’s Facebook page.

There have not been any reports of dogs or cats becoming ill with the deadly virus or transmitting Ebola to people or other animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no evidence that dogs develop the disease, the agency says. Because Pham reported to the hospital at the first sign of infection, her dog is at low risk of having been infected. 

Dallas officials said they would seek guidance from state and federal officials on whether to test Bentley for Ebola, and said a vet would check on him daily. Dallas city spokeswoman Sana Syed tweeted photos of a doctor caring for Bentley on Tuesday, adding: “She hugged him and took good care of him.”

Dr.+Beckam+-vet+who+cared+for+Bentley+tonight.+She+hugged+him+and+took+good+care+of+him.+@1500Marilla+@DallasShelter+pic.twitter.com/UNFc7tawz3

—+Sana+Syed+(@dallaspiosana)+October+15,+2014+

Bentley's care is notable, as dozens of people are currently being monitored for exposure to the virus in Dallas and many may have a dog or cat. When health officials announced the second nurse infected with Ebola in Dallas, they noted she does not have any pets. 


Go here to donate for the care of Bentley and other dogs at Dallas Animal Services