Dallas nurse Nina Pham, who was recently treated for Ebola, will reunite with her 1-year-old dog Bentley on Saturday after the dog was also tested for the virus.
Animal workers in protective suits took the King Charles Spaniel out of Pham's apartment and put it in a 21-day quarantine to see if it was infected after Pham was diagnosed with the disease, according to Reuters. The third test for the puppy came up negative.
"All 3 samples came back negative today. We're planning the big reunion for Saturday - Nina is ready!" city spokeswoman Sana Syed wrote on Twitter.
Pham became infected with Ebola while taking care of Thomas Eric Duncan, the first patient to be diagnosed in the U.S., who died on Oct. 8, CNN reported. The announcement follows a week after Pham left the National Institute of Health in Maryland following her treatment for the disease.
The decision made by Madrid officials to put down a dog of a Spanish nurse who contracted Ebola after caring for a patient received a lot of negative attention from people around the world, and it plays a role in the focus put on treating Pham's dog, according to Reuters.
The American Kennel Club refers to the King Charles Spaniel as a Blenheim Cavalier because of the chestnut markings the toy dog has on its white coat, CNN reported.
When tests weren't being completed, Bentley spent most of his time in quarantine chasing after balls and getting visits from caretakers wearing hazmat suits.
"He's such a joy, you can't help but love this little guy," said Dr. Cate McManus, operations manager of Dallas Animal Services. "I can't wait to see him on talk shows when he's all healthy and out of here."
