Heartworm disease in dogs is very serious. It can cause damage to the heart, lungs and arteries and can even result in death.

Kino is one of the unlucky ones. He was diagnosed with heartworm disease at the young age of 2. Unfortunately, his family could not afford the treatment and surrendered him to the SPCA of Luzerne County located in Wilkes-Barre.

A beautiful red cattle dog mix, Kino has a smile that melts the heart of everyone he meets. A true sweetheart, he loves collecting toys to place on his bed, but doesn’t mind sharing them with his friends. He is a good natured dog who caught a bad break.

Luzerne wanted to get as much exposure for Kino as possible, in order to get him a foster home quickly so he could begin treatment. When a dog starts heartworm treatment, they must be in a calm, quiet environment – if they become overly excited, it can result in complications from the decomposing parasite entering the bloodstream.

The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area drove to Luzerne and brought back several dogs, including Kino, to help use our resources to get Kino the best foster home as quickly as possible.

HSHA’s Med Team immediately evaluated Kino to ensure the heartworm hadn’t caused too much damage. Kino had a very strong heart beat and was ready to fight!

HSHA began looking for the perfect foster parent for Kino. During the search, something very special happened. A woman came forward and offered to pay for Kino’s entire heartworm treatment – a generous $1,500 donation!

UPDATE

Kino first went to a great foster home in an apartment.  Unfortunately, Kino would bark nonstop anytime is foster parent would leave the apartment, making for some very unhappy neighbors.  This led Kino to a new foster home for the remainder of his treatment with a gentleman named Joseph.

In July, Kino completed his heartworm treatment successfully.  And Joseph could not let is new friend go.  He officially adopted Kino and the two are inseparable!