tioo Tech
Asymptomatic Heartworm Positive Dogs at Overcrowded Shelters Eager to Board Flight to Freedom | The Animal Rescue Site


Heartworm disease, caused by parasitic worms transmitted by mosquito bites, can be fatal and do irreparable damage to organs if not treated immediately. Sadly, it is common for dogs to arrive at shelters in the South with this deadly disease.

That is why our partner Greater Good Charities created the life-saving initiative called Save a Heart to reduce euthanasia in overcrowded shelters by treating heartworm-positive dogs, providing medication to prevent heartworm disease, and flying asymptomatic dogs to freedom in other states for treatment before adoption. 

Asymptomatic Heartworm Positive Dogs at Overcrowded Shelters Eager to Board Flight to Freedom | The Animal Rescue Site

Photo: Greater Good Charities

Together with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, The Animal Rescue Site, Save a Heart transports hundreds of asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs to new homes each year.

This month’s Flight to Freedom – Save a Heart 5th Anniversary flight on April 7 will fly roughly 50 dogs, several that are asymptomatic heartworm positive, to New Jersey for a second chance. 

Meet just a few of the lucky passengers on the flight below. 

Precious Chickpea

brown dog with tongue hanging out looking at camera

Photo: Greater Good Charities

This sweet pup is asymptomatic heartworm positive, meaning she is not showing signs and is cleared to travel to continue her treatment at her new shelter. 

Her current caretakers told us, “Precious Chickpea is exactly what her name promises. This bubbly 1-year-old Doberman/Labrador mix is bursting with love for just about everyone she meets — people, dogs, you name it. With a treat in sight and a leash in hand, she is an absolute dream.

“She walks beautifully on leash, makes fast friends with every dog she encounters, and has a way of making people feel like they’re the most important person in the room. At just one year old, she has her whole life ahead of her — and so much love left to give.”

Satori

senior golden retriever dog resting in the grass

Photo: Greater Good Charities

This gentle soul arrived at a shelter where like many dogs in the South tested positive for heartworm disease. He is feeling great and not showing any symptoms as he begins treatment. With your support, he will get the care he needs and a second chance. 

According to his sending shelter, “This magnificent 7-year-old Golden Retriever/Chow mix is equal parts playful and chill — the kind of dog who can zoom around the yard, then settle right into his bed like he never broke a sweat. And honestly? We could all take a page from his book.

“Satori is an absolute gentleman. He sits on command, walks beautifully on leash without pulling, and barely lets out a bark. He’s the guy who’d rather take it all in — watching the world go by with quiet confidence — than make a fuss about anything. He loves being brushed, rolling around in the grass, and going for walks, and when treat time comes around, this food-motivated boy is front and center.

“People? He loves them. Other dogs? Not a problem. Satori is the rare, easygoing soul who fits into just about any home and makes everyone around him feel at ease.”

Jasmine

black German shepherd being held on leash by person

Photo: Greater Good Charities

This gorgeous four-year-old black German shepherd is as sweet as can be. She also tested positive for heartworm disease and will promptly begin treatment. 

Jasmine has won the hearts of shelter staff who shared, “She is a good girl through and through. She walks beautifully on a leash, responds to basic commands, and has a soft spot for a satisfying chew toy. Spend five minutes with Jasmine and you’ll understand why her shelter staff can’t stop raving about her.”

Henry

black and white dog with swollen head inside cage

Before image of Henry. Photo: Greater Good Charities

The young beagle mix had a rough start to life. He was found with an enlarged head due to an embedded collar cutting off circulation. He underwent surgery to remove the collar and begin to heal. 

The next few weeks he spent in a loving foster home healing and transforming into the loving soul he is today. He looks like a completely different dog. 

black and white dog with scars on neck looking at camera

Photo: Greater Good Charities

He loves everyone he meets, and his tail never stops wagging.

His shelter told us, “From a dog who arrived in desperate need of help, to a bright-eyed, healed-up boy ready for his next adventure — Henry’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable.”

Donate today to help save lives by covering the cost of fuel to fly these shelter pets to freedom.