An Oregon-based animal sanctuary is praising some of its TikTok followers for quickly stepping in to help with vet bills after more than dozen of its dogs recently contracted a rare infection.

The Asher House in Estacada − about 30 miles southeast of Portland − received tens of thousands of dollars in donations after its owner posted a video to TikTok on Saturday, informing its 1.2 million followers about the outbreak of "a very rare type of pneumonia."

"It's unpredictable, fast-acting and quickly leads to an infection in the lungs," sanctuary owner Lee Asher said in the video. "Unfortunately, it has reached the sanctuary."

Roo, one of the dogs living at the sanctuary, died after contracting the infection, Asher said in the video, which had more than 200,000 views by Wednesday afternoon.

Fighting tears outside a vet's office

Fighting back tears as he sat outside a vet's office, Asher said that a large handful of other animals, including a Saint Bernard named Lillie, suffered serious complications and had to be taken to the emergency room over the weekend.

"The vets are unfamiliar with it and all of the ERs have been completely full in our area," Asher said, directing people to the nonprofit's website to donate. "We need your help more than ever. I rarely ask for help but we are dealing with a bad situation right now."

Not long after that, he said the donations poured in.

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What does The Asher House do?

Established in 2020, The Asher House rescues unwanted animals, "providing them with a life of comfort, love and adventure."

Asher created the sanctuary after his pit bull Stella died, according to the website, which lists 42 dogs, four cats, and a parrot as being under its care.

Asher has traveled across nearly all 50 states to "promote dog adoption and spotlight various shelters and rescues."

Asher could not immediately be reached by USA TODAY for further comment.

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All vet costs covered

On Sunday, Asher posted a follow-up video on Facebook and expressed his gratitude for the donations and aid from the sanctuary's local veterinarians.

"All of our dogs are home and on the road to recovery," Asher wrote. "Because of the amount of outpouring love and support, all of our vet expenses have been covered, we purchased four at-home oxygen chambers, plus a new quarantine facility to put on the sanctuary."

Some positive updates: Because of the amount of outpouring love and support, all of our vet expenses have been covered, we purchased 4 at home oxygen... | By The Asher House | Facebook

No further donations are needed, he posted, adding that he planned to keep the public updated on the rare infection "once things settle down a bit more."

"Please note that if your dogs are not showing any signs of illness then there is no reason to stress or especially panic," he said. "We were hit hard by this and I promise to give you every piece of Information I get along the way."

"I sincerely cannot thank you all enough," he continued. "On an even better note, Lillie is home."

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @nataliealund.