Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that is a common concern in shelter dogs, especially in southern states.
If you are a heartworm-positive dog in an overcrowded shelter in the South, your chances of making it out of the shelter are slim.
According to the American Heartworm Society, Louisiana is one of the leading states in heartworm infection rates in this country, putting heartworm-positive shelter dogs at a higher risk of euthanasia due to length of care, space required, and the prohibitive cost of treatment.
With your support, The Animal Rescue Site and Greater Good Charities, in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim maker of NexGard® PLUS chews and HEARTGARD® Plus chews, want to give these dogs the second chance they deserve.
This is the 4th anniversary of the Save a Heart initiative which has already transported more than 16,550 pets, including 1,580 asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs and provided treatment to thousands of dogs with heartworm disease.
Asymptomatic heartworm-positive shelter dogs that are being transported receive initial medication in accordance with the recommendations from the American Heartworm Society, prior to transport.
Greater Good Charities works in concert with veterinary teams to select candidates that are positive for heartworm disease and are not showing clinical signs of the disease, which qualifies them for transport.
Upon arrival at their destination shelter, the heartworm-positive shelter dogs are ideally placed into foster or adoptive homes to complete heartworm treatment and post-treatment monitoring until they test negative.
On April 29, 75 dogs will board the Save A Heart Flight and fly to the East Coast to find a forever home. This includes 12 heartworm-positive dogs.
We need your help to fly these dogs to freedom. Meet just a few of the passengers below.
Panda
This sweet mama was surrendered along with her four puppies when her owner could no longer afford to care for them. Panda, an Australian shepherd mix, is just two years old and asymptomatic heartworm positive.
She and all of her puppies will catch a ride on the Save A Heart Flight for a second chance. While her puppies will surely be quickly adopted, Panda will get treatment to beat heartworm disease before finding a loving home.
Boo
The seven-month-old Labrador mix has tested positive for heartworm disease and is another of the lucky passengers on this month’s flight. The rescue is thrilled that she is going to get the treatment she needs and said, “Thanks to the Save a Heart program we were able to start her on pre-treatment right away and she will be able to get the care she needs! She has the sweetest temperament, loves people, other dogs and cats, loves to cuddle and give kisses. Her favorite spot is sitting in your lap in the sun and we know she’s going to make someone the best, best friend.”
Sissy
The six-year-old hound was left to roam free around neighborhood which resulted in her having multiple litters of puppies. The neighbors stepped up to help the dog when her owners left her to fend for herself.
Sissy was spayed, had a lipoma removed from her chest, and tested positive for heartworm disease. This sweet girl has been through a lot and is ready to get the treatment she needs before finding a new family.
Madison
This adorable three-year-old Labrador mix believes she is a lap dog. She adores people and is looking forward to her new adventure that starts next week. She also tested positive for heartworm disease and will receive treatment before adoption.
Lou
The two-year-old Jack Russell terrier mix is living life to the fullest even though he tested positive for heartworm disease. He enjoys the company of people and other dogs and is super friendly. He will join all the other dogs on this life-saving flight and get the treatment he needs before finding a loving home.
Without these flights, these dogs wouldn’t get the help they need. This critical mission is needed to save thousands of lives which would otherwise be at risk. You can help. Donate now to Save a Heart!
