UPDATE: Payton/Zeus died on Monday May 7th. due to complications of Heartworm disease. Necropsy showed that his Pulmonary Artery was completely occluded with worms. His lungs were dying due to lack of oxygen. There was no way to save him at this point. PREVENTATIVE heartworm medicine like HeartGuard would have given him a wonderful healthy life. We are left with education and a huge vet bill.

Please sponsor a dog's Heartworm test and medicine. total cost for a dog Payton's size. Test:$35 + Medicine for a year ~$75. =$110

April 27, 2007

Dear animal Friends and fellow care providers:

Last Chance Ranch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run exclusively by volunteers.  Since 1989, we have rescued over 400 horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules that were seized by humane society police officers, surrendered by their owners, or purchased from the kill pens at auctions.  Once rehabilitated, they are placed in suitable homes when possible.  Those that are too physically or emotionally damaged have a loving home for life here at the Ranch.  Recently we have been asked to come to the aid of some dogs and cats as well as horses.  As long as we have enough resources and volunteers to help in these situations we will help any animal in need. 

The call for help came for several dogs in a shelter in Georgia and we agreed to take in a few that were scheduled to be euthanized.  I think it is very true that all animals know when they have been rescued because you could see the gratitude in the eyes of the dogs as they were finally placed in new loving homes.  Unfortunately, several of the dogs have come up positive for Heartworm Disease.  Heartworm is parasite that lives in the blood of dogs, cats and other wild animals.  It is preventable by giving a pill once a month as prescribed by your veterinarian.  If an animal is left untreated for Heartworm it can lead to severe lung disease, heart disease and damage to other organs.   Payton is Rottie cross that came from that shelter with a very shy, but loving personality.  It appeared that he had been abused because he would fall to the ground when you would raise your hands or your voice.  He has come a long way in a little over 2 months since he arrived here. He has a wonderful new mom who needs him just as much as he needs her.  She has renamed him Zeus and he gets along great with her other Rottweiler Xena.  Unfortunately, Zeus’ health is taking a turn for the worse and even though he is only around 3 years old the heartworms have made him extremely weak and in urgent need of medical care.  We are asking for help to cover these medical costs which could easily reach into the thousands to rid his body of the heartworms and get him through any complications he may develop.  Please help us to raise money to cover these costs and to help spread the word of how important Heartworm preventative is to help dogs live a long and happy life.