Special Adoption: Heartworm Positive, Still Full of Love!
Hi there! My name is Inky, and I've got a heart full of love... even if it needs a little extra care right now.
I recently tested positive for heartworm disease, which sounds scary... but don't worry, I'm still the same sweet, lovable pup looking for my forever home!
What are heartworms?
Heartworms are parasites spread by mosquitoes (yep... just one bite is all it takes). They live in a dog's heart, lungs, and blood vessels, which can cause damage over time if left untreated.
The tricky part? Dogs can have heartworms for months before showing signs, which is how many of us end up with them without anyone knowing.
What does this mean for me?
Right now, I may not show many symptoms or I might get tired a little easier than other dogs. Without treatment, heartworms can affect my heart and lungs over time, but with the right care, I can still live a happy, love-filled life.
What are my treatment options?
There are two paths forward:
1. Fast-Kill Treatment (through a vet clinic)
This is the recommended treatment and works more quickly, but it can be expensive.
2. Slow-Kill Treatment (through the shelter's program)
This involves monthly preventatives that gradually eliminate the worms over time. It's more affordable and allows me to go home sooner.
Good news! Thanks to our partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, the shelter can help provide a couple months worth of preventatives needed for the slow-kill method!
Important Adoption Info
This animal has tested positive for heartworm disease and treatment is highly recommended for quality of life.
We can help with a slow-kill method for the heartworms and their adoption fee will be reduced. While not the recommended first course of treatment, the slow-kill method is a bit more affordable.
If the adopter decides to get the dog treated at a vet clinic instead, Knox-Whitley Humane will not be able to assist with the cost of the medical bill from a vet clinic and it is solely the responsibility of the adopter.
The most important thing...
I didn't choose this, but I am choosing to love whoever gives me a chance.
All I need is someone willing to see past a diagnosis and give me the life I deserve. Could that be you?
ALL ANIMALS MUST BE SPAYED/NEUTERED BEFORE ADOPTION.
Before you click "Apply for Adoption," understand that it only serves only as an adoption inquiry and pre-screening form and does not guarantee a response, approval, or adoption. A meet-and-greet with the animal is required to proceed with adoption. We strongly encourage interested adopters to visit the shelter in person during regular business hours to inquire about available pets. All adoptions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We are unable to hold or reserve animals for any reason. If an animal is listed on our website, it is currently available; however, availability may change at any time. Notifying us of your intent to visit, scheduling a visit, or submitting this inquiry form does not reserve or place a hold on an animal. Animals may be adopted by another party prior to your arrival.
Please stop by for a meet-and-greet to make sure the dog is a good fit for you. We always encourage you to bring along any fur family members that you may have some concerns about to the meet-and-greet, so nobody is surprised that there is an unwelcome guest in their home!
You DO NOT have to schedule an appointment for a meet-and-greet. Animals are adopted on a first-come-first served basis. Just stop by anytime during our hours which are
TUESDAYS 11-4
WEDNESDAYS 10-2
THURSDAYS 10-2
FRIDAYS 11-4
SATURDAYS 10-2
CLOSED SUN & MON
Our dog adoption fees for heartworm positive dogs are a reduced cost of $75, which includes spay/neuter, microchip, first round of vaccines, as well as preventatives and medication for slow-kill heartworm treatment.
*Heartworm treatment and consultation by a veterinarian is still recommended, and we are only offering the slow-kill method as a way to assist with quality of life for the dog if actual treatment is not financially sustainable for the adopter.
After the initial meet-and-greet, if the dog is not already spayed/neutered, you will place a $30 deposit which ensures that the dog will be adopted by YOU! This comes off of the total adoption price, leaving your remaining fee of $90 to pay when you pick-up after the neuter.
If you have any questions about the specifics of any pup listed, please reach out to us and we will answer them to the best of our ability. We typically do not have any background history on the animals that come to us as far as previous medical history, whether they are potty-trained, etc.
We may not know the animals' pasts here, but we try to re-write their future by finding loving homes for them!
