Chi-Chi, Manila’s first frontliner dog, passes away due to bacteria caused by ticks

Chi-Chi, Manila’s first animal frontliner, passed away on July 14 due to a virus caused by ticks.

According to Mariz Umali’s “24 Oras” report, Tuesday, Chi-Chi died at 10:45 a.m. due to ehrlichiosis, a bacterial illness caused by tick bites.

According to VCA Animal Hospital’s website, ehrlichiosis is a disease that develops in dogs when bitten by an infected tick. Some of its symptoms include fever, weight loss, bleeding disorders, and swollen lymph nodes.

Jeanne Ramos, Chi-Chi’s owner, said she was affected by the death of the dog because it had grown to be a part of their family.

Chi-Chi is now laid to rest together with Jeanne’s other late pets at Manila North Cemetery.

The dog was named the first animal frontliner in April 2020 when it started joining Manila’s Barangay 379 officials during their daily rounds. It even had an ID signed by the barangay chairman.

Chi-Chi was a stray dog who was adopted by a barangay official in 2018.

Run free in dog paradise, Chi-Chi! – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News