From Rockets Foster mom: Rocket was adopted from a Chattanooga shelter four years ago. Sadly, he was found as a stray in February (2022) and when the shelter called to let his family know ....they said they didn’t want him.
Once at the shelter they discovered Rocket had advanced heart worm disease. Heart worms are fatal if not treated and even if it’s caught but in the late stages it cannot always be treated.
Rocket’s symptoms and complications are substantial since his disease is so advanced. He cannot be active at all and can only have light activity for ten minutes at a time. He coughs and struggles to breathe even when lying down because his lungs are so inflamed. He has diarrhea and vomits because his body is working so hard to keep going. He doesn’t want to eat and we’ve tried tons of different ideas that have worked in the past. And he can’t be treated for the heart worms until he’s healthy enough and at a healthy weight. So, this is an example of a dog that should be completely healthy and a “normal” shelter resident and adoption but because of neglect he is a special needs dude now.
Despite how poorly he feels he always has tail wags and kisses to give, is never grumpy, and seeks out love and attention. He fills our home with drool and love in equal measure.
