Happy Tails from the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch

The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch continues to leverage the generous Animal Welfare Grant from the Robert Parker Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This grant is focused on providing medical services beyond routine needs. This has been an especially difficult year for special needs and we couldn’t have met them without this grant.

Suzie was found as a stray. Her hair was so matted it hurt her to be touched. Our groomer stated that it was the worst case she has ever experienced. After being shaved, the Vet determined that she had a difficult skin infection and cloudy eyes that needed to be treated. After extensive treatments and multiple rounds of antibiotics, her infection was cleared up. She went from a shy, scared pup in pain to a delightful prancing dog that loves to be cuddled. She now has a wonderful, loving forever home and never needs to feel fear again.

Heartworm disease is prevalent in dogs in Florida. It is only spread through infected mosquito bites. If left untreated, heartworm disease will progress and damage the dog’s heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, eventually causing death. Yet, it is so simple to prevent. There are many FDA-approved products to prevent heartworms in dogs. All require a veterinarian’s prescription and should only be started, after the dog is tested to ensure they are Heartworm negative.

Unfortunately, we have two more dogs that came in as strays and tested positive for Heartworm. Jessie and Tahoe are both currently in the initial stages of their expensive and often painful treatment. Once through the four month treatment, they should both live long, wonderful lives.

Thank you to the Robert Parker Fund!