August News

Heartworms and Your Pet

It’s that time of year again. Mosquitoes are everywhere. And wherever mosquitoes are so is the chance of your dog contracting heartworms.

Heartworm stages
A heartworm begins as a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis inside a mosquito. The larva lives in the mosquito for about two weeks while it grows and moves into the mosquito’s salivary glands. The worms are injected into your pet when the mosquito bites.

The larva remains in the dog’s skin and tissue for about 4 months before migrating into the bloodstream. Through the bloodstream, the larval heartworms are carried to the heart where they live in the blood within the chambers on the right side of the heart. There they mature into adults and can reach up to twelve inches in length or more.

As adults, heartworms produce offspring called microfilaria. These then enter the dog’s bloodstream. The cycle is completed by a mosquito biting an infected pet

Symptoms and Treatment

There are few symptoms exhibited until the disease is well advanced. First there will be a decrease in activity followed by a cough. Then fluid accumulates in the arms and legs and abdomen. Essential organs such as the liver can be greatly affected causing jaundice. Left untreated, a dog with heartworm will die from heart failure or shut down of other organs.

The best method of treatment is prevention. There is no vaccine but monthly oral medications prevent the disease. Any larval heartworms in the skin or tissue are killed so cannot reach the heart and mature into adults.

Preventative medication should always be used throughout mosquito seasons.

If your pet has heartworm disease, talk with your veterinarian about the best way to treat it. Dogs can be successfully treated for heartworms and go on to live full and active lives.

Seniors Need Love Too

When most folks contemplate adopting a dog they generally look for a young adult or puppy.

Everyone falls in love with the exuberance of a puppy. They are so cute and cuddly and full of life. Once they get that little baby home, however, they soon learn how much work there is to training that cute little bundle of fur—it’s just like raising a child.

How about considering an older dog to love? They are just as spunky as a pup but, in most cases, are already trained and really looking for someone to call their own. We have several older babies—look further and see if there’s one who will steal your heart.

Look Who's Found a Home!

Margie
This gorgeous little girl found her forever home with two little Bishon brothers. Margie is a spunky little 8 year old who just loves car rides. She loves to be carried and begs with her front paws. She’s a little 4 pound bundle of joy who has found her family.

Amos
This little guy only looks like a little angel—he is full of the devil. Amos, now Nicky, lives in his new home with 3 senior brothers, 1 younger boy and 1 cat. He doesn’t care too much for the cat, but he loves to keep his brothers hopping. Nicky sure runs the household and his family loves every minute of it. Nicky is a wonderful 13 pound baby who now has a loving home.

Henry
What a great success story this is. We were having a little difficulty placing this little guy because he’s such a bundle of energy. Henry was fostered by a wonderful couple who took him to the dog park every day to play. The good news is that this 40 pound boy now has a home complete with large yard to run and play.

Have You Heard?

We’re growing and looking for ways to have fun, raise donations and bring together our adopted angel families.

We have some great ideas but need your feedback. How about
o A group birthday party
o An adoptee reunion
o An afternoon fair featuring such topics as pet first aid, behavior advice, doggie kindergarten for pets and their owners, recipes for our 4-footed friends

Tell us what you think and we’ll take it from there.

The last Friday of each month from 6-9 PM we will hold an adopt-a-thon at the Winners Sports Grill located at 12064 Anderson Road in Tampa. Our first night out was a great success with two adoptions. We’re looking forward to next month – September 30 – and hope to see you there!

Spotlight On Our Adoptees

Hi! My name is Dekota. I am a 2 year old medium-sized Shepherd mix. Lost Angels found me along with my five little pups at the shelter. They found homes for all my babies and now are looking for a place for me. I am house trained and have very good manners. I hardly ever bark and love to have my tummy rubbed. I love to play by myself or with others, and get along fine with other dogs but am not too crazy about cats. I am spayed, have all my shots and am micro-chipped. I am being treated for light heartworms. My adoption fee is $125. Please call my foster mom at 813.380.4256—I’m waiting to meet you. You can also email lostangelsanimalrescue04@yahoo.com. I’ll shower you with kisses!


My name is Joansie. I’m a senior Tortie Chihuahua weighing in at a whopping 5 pounds. I love to be wherever you are and enjoy being a lap dog. Don’t let my age fool you – I’m very spunky. I’m spayed and current on all shots. I did test light heartworm positive and am receiving treatment. Won’t you be my new family? My adoption fee is $150. Please call my foster mom at 813.486.4001 or email lostangelsanimalrescue04@yahoo.com. I can’t wait to meet you.


I’m Zarty , a 1 year old male Shepherd/Hound mix. I’m a mid-sized boy at 45 pounds and looking for fun. I’m very sweet and affectionate and can’t wait to meet my new family. I’m neutered, current on all shots and am micro-chipped. My adoption fee is $100. If you can find a space in your heart for me, please contact my foster mom at 813.417.2106. or email lostangelsanimalrescue04@yahoo.com. My tail is wagging already.

I’m Andy and I’m a 6 year old Mini Pin. I’m a little guy at 15 pounds and would love to have a forever home. I am very sweet and just love to cuddle. I’m neutered, current on all shots and micro-chipped. If you have some room for me, I’d sure like to meet you. My adoption fee is $150. Please call my foster mom at 813.514-0595 or email lostangelsanimalrescue04@yahoo.com. Will you be my new family?

Hi. My name is Buddy. I’m a 3 year old Jack Russell looking for a great forever home. I’m 20 pounds and love to be loved. I’m very sweet and great with other dogs but just don’t like cats. I’m neutered, up to date on all shots and am micro-chipped. My adoption fee is $125. Please take me home with you by calling my foster mom at 813.754.2294 or email lostangelsanimalrescue04@yahoo.com.

To see all of our babies looking for a forever home, please visit Lost Angels Animal Rescue.