Nina Pham, the nurse identified as the second U.S. Ebola patient, is reportedly in good condition, as is her dog, Bentley.

Nina Pham Contracts Ebola Virus

Pham contacted the Ebola virus while caring for Thomas Eric Duncan, the first man diagnosed with Ebola in the US, at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, where she works as a nurse. As Pham entered quarantine at the hospital to receive treatment and her apartment was sanitized, one troubling thought arose: what would happen to her beloved dog, Bentley, who was had contact with Pham when she began developing symptoms?

Nina Pham's Dog Taken By Dallas Animal Services

In Spain, authorities euthanized a dog after its owner was diagnosed with the Ebola virus, and many feared that Bentley would meet the same fate. However, the Dallas Animal Services (DAS) has stepped in to care for the dog, which is currently being cared for in quarantine.

“The dog is very important to her. We want to make sure that the dog is as healthy as can be at this point and being taken care of,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.

On Monday, DAS updated the public on Bentley’s status, saying that he had been successfully transported from Pham’s quarantined apartment. “It was a bit of a challenge, but Bentley, the beloved dog of Ebola patient Nina Pham is now safe with Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center on the way to an undisclosed location,” the center wrote on their official Facebook page.

The DAS has also said that they have been in contact with Pham and her family, and say the dog is doing well.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that there have been no reported cases of dogs catching or spreading the Ebola virus, but it remains a possibility, requiring Bentley’s quarantine. “At the time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick with Ebola or of being able to spread Ebola to people or other animals,” said the CDC.

Currently, the City of Dallas plans on keeping Bentley under observation for the next 21 days, but as little study has been done on dogs and Ebola, it’s unclear what will happen after those 21 days are up.

Nina Pham Doing Well

Meanwhile, CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden said on Wednesday that Pham is in “improved condition today.” Pham released a statement on Tuesday, saying she was doing well and thanking the healthcare workers taking care of her. “I am blessed by the support of family and friends, and am blessed to be cared for by the best team of doctors and nurses in the world,” she said.