In honor of Heartworm Awareness Month, Greater Good Charities, in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) and HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), have kicked off the fourth year of Good Flights, which has transported more than 12,800 at-risk shelter pets from the South to new homes on the East Coast and in the West.
That includes nearly 1,300 asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs as part of Greater Good Charities' Save a Heart initiative, which reduces euthanasia in overcrowded animal shelters by preventing and treating heartworm disease.
To kick off the fourth year of Good Flights, more than 40 shelter pets were transported on April 8 from Louisiana to the East Coast on an extraordinary anniversary journey.
Save A Heart Initiative: Transforming the Lives of Shelter Dogs
“It is truly amazing to know that in three years, Save a Heart, a life-saving initiative of our Good Flights program, has provided hundreds of at-risk shelter dogs in the South with a second chance and a new home where they can flourish," said Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities. "Our work with Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) and HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) is a testament that with the right care and treatment, this disease does not have to result in tragedy for these pets.”
Save A Heart Saves Lives
Asymptomatic heartworm-positive shelter dogs transported via Save a Heart receive initial medication before transport, following the recommendations from the American Heartworm Society. The Greater Good Charities' Good Flights team works with veterinary teams to select candidates who are positive for heartworms but not showing clinical signs of the disease, qualifying them for transport.
Air and ground transport for Good Flights occurs approximately five times a month, and many have Save a Heart pets on them. In addition to the nearly 1,300 asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs being relocated to safety, thousands of heartworm-positive shelter dogs that were not transported received medication in Louisiana and Alabama through Save a Heart.
Upon arrival at their destination shelter, the heartworm-positive shelter dogs are placed into foster or adoptive homes to complete heartworm treatment and monitoring until they test negative.
"The Good Flights program and Save a Heart initiative represent a remarkable collaboration between Greater Good Charities and Boehringer Ingelheim," said Dr. Julie Ryan-Johnson, Senior Associate Director of the Shelter Engagement Program at Boehringer Ingelheim. "This program is not just about transporting pets. It's about giving heartworm-positive dogs a second chance at life, and it's making a significant difference in reducing euthanasia rates in overcrowded shelters."
Good Flights is staffed with seasoned animal welfare professionals who adhere to best practices in pet transport. It covers transport costs, provides mentorship and pharmaceuticals, and furnishes much-needed supplies, including pet crates, bowls, and leashes. Additionally, Good Flights provides cash grants to Save a Heart shelter partners.
Photo © Greater Good Charities
Good Flights Program
Good Flights is a Greater Good Charities program that conducts life-saving airlifts and ground transport for at-risk pet populations. It focuses on asymptomatic heartworm-positive shelter dogs, disaster relief, homeless cats, and harder-to-place large dogs. All shelter pets transported via Good Flights are handled in compliance with the USDA’s interstate regulations.
Donate Now to Save a Heart and give an at-risk shelter dog a second chance.
Important Safety Information:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is for use in dogs only. 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, call 888-637-4251 or visit NexGardPLUSClinic.com.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Following the use of HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) in dogs, digestive and neurologic side effects and pruritus have been reported. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. For more information, click here for full prescribing information.
HEARTGARD® and the Dog & Hand logo® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. NexGard® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France, used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner. ©2023 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-PET-0193-2024 ©2024 Greater Good Charities. All rights reserved.
