At the shelter

Heartworm is a potentially fatal disease caused by infection with the parasitic roundworm Dirofilaria immitis. The worm generally infects the chambers of the heart and the large blood vessels entering and leaving the heart. Heartworm typically affects dogs, although cats are occasionally diagnosed with the disease as well. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. The mosquito transfers larvae into the dog when it feeds. These larvae migrate to the heart, where they develop into adult worms. The adult female worm gives birth to microscopically small worms (microfilaria) which circulate in the dog's bloodstream. In order to continue the life cycle, a mosquito must ingest blood infected with microfilaria, which can then develop into infective larvae inside the mosquito. The disease cannot be transferred from dog to dog - the mosquito is required as an intermediate host. Consult your veterinarian about the best method of prevention for your pet. There are a number of prophylactic (prevention) treatments for dogs at risk. Although some only prevent heartworm, other preventions will control fleas and/or intestinal worms. Treatment of heartworm can be long and difficult for an infected dog. However the prognosis is usually good for mild to moderate cases. There is a higher risk of complication for severe cases, which is why it is important to have your dog tested regularly for heartworm. (Source: The Paw Blog)

Would it surprise you to know that many of the dogs who arrive at the shelter are heartworm positive? New readers of this column may not be aware of a program at the shelter to save countless heartworm-positive shelter dogs' lives. After the April 2006 tornado, a beagle was rescued from a tree. During the routine physical, first round of shots, worming, and heartworm test every dog receives at the shelter, the beagle tested heartworm positive. A group of caring people at DSCC and shelter employees contributed money for this little dog to receive treatment. Thus, the Beagley Fund was established and many dogs have been cured and adopted because of compassionate people giving to this fund. The Beagley Fund is once again depleted and we are in need of donations to be able to cure other heartworm-positive dogs. Won't you give to this worthy cause? Please specify on your check your tax-deductible donation should be directed to The Beagley Fund. Donating to the shelter is also a wonderful way to honor and remember your loved ones and help local homeless shelter pets. Other categories are General donations, Save a Life Makeover (professional grooming), and Memorials. Please mail to the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society, P.O. Box 223, Dyersburg, TN 38025-0223. We depend on donations and fundraisers to keep our doors open. Thank you for helping the animals!

'Sarah' is one of our heartworm-positive dogs. She is a miniature schnauzer and cute as a speckled pup. Please save her life and donate to the Beagley Fund today! She must be an inside dog and would make a wonderful little lap dog. 'Foxy' is a precious Papillion-mix male who is 8 months old. He must be an inside dog and would make an excellent companion dog. Papillion is French for butterfly, which the face and ears of this sprightly little dog should resemble. The Papillion has its roots in the dwarf spaniels so popular through Europe from at least the 16th century. These little dogs were extremely popular with the nobility. Spain and Italy became the centers of dwarf spaniel breeding and trading. The court of Louis XIV of France was particularly fond of these little dogs and imported many of them. At one time the Papillion was known as the Squirrel Spaniel because it carried its plumed tail over its back the same way a squirrel does. These early dogs had drooping ears, but through some unknown event, some dogs sported erect ears. Both drop- and erect-eared Papillions could be found in the same litter. Even today both ear types are equally correct. In America, the drop-eared Pap is known as the Phalene, which is French for moth. In Europe it is called Epagneul Nain or Continental Toy Spaniel. It has an AKC ranking of 36. Note: This breed cannot live outdoors! (Source: Coile's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds)

We have baskets full of kittens and beautiful cats! Every cage is full of enchanting felines. Pictured is a litter of adorable kitties of every color. Also featured is 'Martin' who is an extra-large boy and enjoys having his ears scratched. He is calm, settled and laid back. To see many of our pets online, click on dyerhumane.org, or petfinder.com. Type 38024 zip code to see our pets on petfinder.

To see many of our pets online, click on dyerhumane.org, or petfinder.com. Type 38024 zip code to see our pets on petfinder.

We are so appreciative of the local rescue groups in our area who have saved many of our shelter pets' lives. Laura Hart's "Almost Home" rescue located at The Pet Stop has saved a total of 247 lives since Sept. 12, 2008. You can also see and adopt from a selection of shelter cats and kittens at The Pet Stop. Jill Joyner's "One Step Closer to Home" rescue saves four-legged friends in the Western Tennessee area and acts as a sister to all larger rescues. Animal Care Hospital and PETcetera, located on St. John Extended, have teamed up with the shelter to raise awareness of the unlimited number of abandoned pets in need of loving homes. Stop by PETcetera to view a canine ready for immediate adoption.

If your group is looking for a worthy community service project, consider adopting the shelter. We also need caring volunteers to bring pet treats and toys that do not present a choking hazard. Help us socialize shelter animals and walk dogs while they are waiting for a forever home. We also have a fenced, grassy play area for dogs and puppies. The shelter has other needs as well. Many times some of our shelter dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens must eat canned dog/puppy or cat/kitten food due to health reasons. We also appreciate dry dog and cat food, as well as regular litter, dog blankets, paper towels, cleaning and office supplies. Thank you for helping the animals.

The Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. The shelter is located at 1120 E. Court St. and phone number is 285-4889.