Broken-hearted dogs at shelter need homes
You can’t tell by looking at them, but Duke and Annie have broken hearts. They are heartworm positive.
About 30 percent of dogs at the Harris County Animal Shelter are heartworm positive, and treating them increases their chances of adoption. The pups are part of the shelter’s “Heal a Heart” program, which includes free heartworm treatment (a $500 value). It’s sponsored by Friends of CountyPets.
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, and an animal that is not receiving heartworm treatment can become infected. Heartworms can grow up to 1 foot in length, reside in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. If left untreated, heartworm disease can result in heart failure, severe lung disease and damage to other organs. Heartworms can infect both dogs and cats, although cats tend to have a lower incidence of the disease.
Once treated, dogs usually have a near 100 percent chance of survival. (Here’s proof: Years ago, I adopted a heartworm-positive female cocker spaniel that was rescued in a puppy-mill raid. Once treated, Misty lived another 11 years.)
Through Feb. 28, you can adopt a heartwormpositive dog that has been treated for just $5. The fee includes vaccines, microchip and one-year pet license. The Heal a Heart program is exclusively funded by donations, so if you’d like to make a donation to this worthy program, visit FriendsofCountyPets.org
The Harris County Animal Shelter is at 612 Canino. Adoption hours are 1-5:30 p.m. MondaysFridays and 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays.