When Eli came through the doors of Cara’s House in southern Louisiana, everyone could tell this senior chocolate lab was special. His journey is a perfect example of the power of Save a Heart, Greater Good Charities’ initiative that works to address the heartworm epidemic in the South.
Generously sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) and HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), this initiative provides heartworm-positive dogs with critical veterinary care, heartworm disease prevention, and transportation from overburdened shelters to loving arms.
Rescuing a Senior Heartworm-Positive Dog in Louisiana
When Eli was found and brought to Cara’s House, they managed to track down his owner. But this individual couldn’t maintain his care, so Eli stayed with the kind staff of Cara’s.
It was clear Eli had lived a less-than-easy life. He was underweight, heartworm-positive and covered in calluses that indicated he hadn’t had a soft bed to lay in for quite some time, if ever.
But Eli never met a stranger. He had remained friendly and full of love despite hardships, and everyone around him fell in love.
One day our Transport Director Jeremy Colborn made a routine visit to the shelter, and Eli caught his eye. He was the perfect dog to benefit from our Save a Heart initiative, which could give him a chance at the comfort and love he had always deserved.
We wasted no time in reaching out to one of our trusted partners in New Jersey who often receives pets from our monthly transport flights. Real Dog Rescue specializes in harder-to-place pets including senior dogs like Eli, and they were soon able to find a foster willing to open her home to Eli once he flew north.
Carolyn welcomed Eli and soon fell in love like everyone else. She helped him through his heartworm treatment and watched him begin to truly thrive, surrounded by his furry siblings. What started as a foster home became a forever home, and Eli will never again lay on the concrete floors of a shelter. He has found his family.
How Save a Heart Helps Shelter Dogs Find Loving Homes
Stories like Eli’s stick with us. Through his singular journey, the impacts of Save a Heart are amplified, a reminder that together we can make sure animals born into misfortune are given the best chance at happy, healthy lives with loving families.
Your support helped get Eli where he is today, and will help us save the hearts and the lives of many more pets to come.
Save a Heart, Save a Life
Thanks to your support, Save a Heart delivers timely, life-saving solutions where shelters face the greatest strain. By ensuring heartworm-positive dogs receive the care and placement they need, we help shelters focus resources where they matter most—and give dogs like Miley the opportunity to heal, find homes, and thrive.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is safe for puppies at 8 weeks, weighing 4 pounds or more. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and itching. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection prior to starting a preventive. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: HEARTGARD Plus is well-tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD Plus, digestive and neurologic side effects have been reported. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.