Henry’s Story
Categories: Animal Defense League Blogs, Ways to help ADL
Meet Henry—a 7-year-old Akita mix, who came into ADL’s care on March 17, 2016. When Henry was brought to ADL by a good Samaritan he was noticeably ill, coughing and wheezing. ADL veterinarians thoroughly examined Henry, and promptly diagnosed him with heart failure secondary to advanced heartworm disease. Henry was started on several medications to alleviate the fluid in his lungs and abdomen, help his heart function more efficiently, and decrease the hypertension in his pulmonary vessels. It took 7 months to treat and clear Henry of heartworm disease, and though he recovered, the heartworms permanently damaged his heart and lungs. Thankfully, Henry’s condition is manageable with medication.
After Henry was finally heartworm-free, he had a tough time finding his forever home. Around ADL he was known as a “dogmatic”, but lovable old man. Henry could often be found sunbathing, rolling around in the dirt, digging, and just taking it easy. Henry became a staff favorite especially to those who took care of him regularly. Mellow-mannered Henry eventually went into a foster home with a family who understood him and his heart condition. Happily, Henry was officially adopted by his loving foster family in January!
Henry is just one of the hundreds of heartworm positive dogs that ADL takes in and treats each year. With your help ADL can continue to treat and save special pets like Henry for many years to come. Medication to treat heartworms is costly. ADL tests all of our rescued companion animals for heartworms. Each one also receives monthly heartworm preventative, which costs about $15 per month per pet, and treating a large dog with heartworm disease can cost up to $600!
Help us heal more hearts with a donation!
When you donate, you will help ADL provide the best possible care to these once abandoned, abused, and neglected pets. Will you help ADL heal their hearts and keep them heartworm free as they wait to find their forever homes?
