Connie, the dog rescued from a shipping container, has died

A dog who made national headlines after being rescued from a shipping container in February has died from a rare infection.

Connie, the container dog, as she became known, spent more than a week in one of the thousands of shipping containers at the Port of Houston, Texas, before U.S. Coast Guard inspectors happened to hear barking and scratching from inside.

The little golden dog was dirty and thin and had not eaten or watered for at least eight days. But she was also immediately friendly and affectionate. She was transferred to the care of a Maryland rescue group, who soon discovered she was pregnant. Connie and her eight puppies all found houses, but on Friday the rescue group shared a sad update. Connie had died of pythiosis, a rare fungal infection.

“After everything she had been through and survived, we just couldn’t believe this was the way her story would end,” Forever Changed Animal Rescue wrote on Facebook. “She was such a young dog, with an absolutely sweet character, and yet she was such a fighter, a real survivor.”

The pythium fungus that causes pythiosis is rare in Maryland, animal control noted, but more common in Texas, and dogs can contract the disease by drinking or swimming in contaminated water. The rescue group suspects Connie contracted it from drinking water outside before becoming stuck in the shipping container. The dog had gastrointestinal lesions and despite extensive veterinary treatment, Connie ‘deteriorated rapidly’.

Connie lived with a family who “finally” gave her the love she deserved, the nonprofit wrote.

“While we are glad she had a few good months of happiness and love, it will never seem like it was enough.”

The rescue group added that Connie’s “legacy” was not only her story, but also “her 8 puppies who will live the life she missed.” The post also expressed hope that Connie’s story will raise awareness of the numerous dogs euthanized in animal shelters.

“There are too many dogs and not enough people involved in rescue, shelter or adoption,” the nonprofit wrote. “Stricter laws regarding animal ownership/handling and spaying/neutering are desperately needed across the country.”

The post concluded with a bittersweet message to Connie.

“If love could have saved you, you would still be with us, sweet girl,” it read. “We love you and miss you always. You fought so hard and deserved so much more. Rest in peace, perfect girl. You will certainly never be forgotten.”