KENNEBUNK — Dixie, one of the puppies sold from an illegal pet store in Auburn, had to be put down due to complications from canine parvovirus infection, according to the family.

The Kennebunk family says the puppy was meant to be an early Christmas gift for their children, but only hours after they picked up Dixie from an alleged Auburn breeder, they say they noticed something wasn’t right.

Police are investigating the Auburn couple, accused of selling the puppies with the highly contagious and potentially deadly virus.

Dixie’s family says they were one of the first to contact police and start an investigation.

The family who purchased Dixie, a miniature pinscher, says they contacted the sellers through Uncle Henry’s, and found out she had parvovirus a day later.
Auburn Police say they believe the family is one of many that bought infected dogs from a couple over the past few weeks through online services like Craigslist.

CBS 13 is not naming the sellers because they haven’t been charged with a crime, but police say they are still investigating.

Officers say when they searched the couple’s home they found 15 dogs in the house, three of which had parvovirus.

All are now in quarantine at the seller’s house.

Dixie’s family said in statement: “We are devastated to say the least. We went to visit with her last night. We really wanted to continue her treatment and we received a very generous donation for her to continue treatment this morning.

Then the vet called and said she did not want to put Dixie through the process any longer as it is taking quite a toll on her soul.”

If you believe you may have purchased a dog from this couple in Auburn, and think your dog is infected, call Auburn police.