Hank came to Toronto Humane Society through our Animal Transport Program.  

While his intake exam was normal – he had tartar on his teeth and hadn’t been neutered, a secondary exam found five live ticks, (not surprising as Hank came from a remote area where ticks are quite common). Then, when his bloodwork came back, Hank tested positive for heartworm.  

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and is a risk for all Ontario dogs. Heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries. They can grow up to 30 cm long and if left untreated, heartworm can be fatal. 

As the treatment for heartworm takes months, Hank went into a quiet foster home where he could be kept calm during his treatment. Our behaviour team put together a package for his caretaker to help Hank through this time – games and tricks that keep his brain, but not his body, busy. 

When Hank was cleared of heartworm, he was neuter and then adopted. 

Become a Humane Champion today! As a Monthly Donor, you are teaming up with Toronto Humane Society to Improve the Lives of Animals everywhere. Your support is invaluable to the work we do everyday to protect animals.