This is a very sad story that came to us from a nearby shelter.  It was worth passing along. If you’re not familiar with heartworm disease, this is the end result.  THIS is why heartworm preventative is so very, very important, especially in the South.  Please…make sure to keep your animals on monthly heartworm preventative throughout the year, and help others to understand the importance of it, as well.  No animal should have to suffer this way…worms eating away at the heart and lungs.  It’s totally unnecessary.  Thank goodness this poor boy was found by caring people before he died a miserable death.  At least he was in caring arms when it was time to go.

We have a sad story to share. This is Champ.  Champ is a pit bull that came in as a stray. He is sweet and loving…you can tell he has a great heart. Unfortunately, Champ came into the shelter with a badly bloated belly. He has a hard time breathing. His legs are swollen. Our vet examined him, and ran a heartworm test. Champ tested high positive for heartworms.  Our vet said that his heart has already begun to fail. His lungs and belly are filled with fluid due to his heart failure.