Rescue Me: Horner Has Heartworms, But Is Ready To Give Love

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Horner, an 8-year-old dog at the Fredericksburg SPCA, has undergone heartworm treatment. Now, he's ready to find a forever home of his own.

Horner came to the Fredericksburg SPCA from Appalachia to receive necessary medical care. "Horner was sadly infected with heartworms," the Fredericksburg SPCA. "Not an uncommon occurrence with dogs who are from rural, humid areas and not on monthly heartworm prevention."

April is Heartworm Awareness Month. The American Heartworm Society estimates that more than a million animals are currently infected with heartworm. Animals can be infected through a single mosquito bite, according to the Fredericksburg SPCA.

"While infected, dogs can have 30 or more worms living in their heart and lungs," the SPCA said. "Heartworm is fatal if left untreated and treatment is extraordinarily painful and quite a long process. The best (and cheapest) option to keep your pet safe is monthly heartworm prevention medication."

Horner has been treated for the parasite and is now eligible for the SPCA's foster-to-adopt program.

Photo courtesy of the Fredericksburg SPCA.

"Horner is a favorite office dog at the shelter because he is so sweet and adores being pressed up against you," the Fredericksburg SPCA said. "He loves to go for walks and sniffs and get lots of good butt rubs!"

The Fredericksburg SPCA will host some fee-waived adoptions on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Adopt A Shelter Pet Day. There will also be on-site foster sign-ups.

More information about Horner and other adoptable cats and dogs is available online.