08/17/2024
I first met Sasha a few days ago when I visited the county shelter to give a dog a break from the stress of being confined 24/7. Sasha immediately caught my attention, and when I asked the staff about her, they told me she was in desperate need of a day out. Despite being on medication to manage her anxiety, the stress of the shelter had taken such a toll that she had stopped eating and was rapidly losing weight.
As I learned more about Sasha, I discovered she’s been at the shelter for nearly four months and is suffering from advanced heartworm disease. Her thoracic radiographs reveal a severely dilated pulmonary artery and significantly enlarged, tortuous pulmonary vessels. In simpler terms, the heartworm is so advanced that it’s causing her heart and lungs to fail. Unfortunately, because the shelter isn’t equipped to handle her severe condition, she hasn’t even begun treatment.
Needless to say, I couldn’t leave Sasha there. I initially planned to foster her for just a few days to give her a chance to decompress and hopefully start feeling a little better. But what I saw when I got her home was heartbreaking. Sasha is severely fatigued, her abdomen is swollen, she’s frighteningly underweight, and she faints often due to the lack of oxygen her body is receiving.
After just two days with Sasha, I knew I couldn’t send her back to the shelter where she’d continue to deteriorate without treatment. So, here we are! Sasha is now staying with us for the time being. With the support of an incredible client and friend, along with the Friends of Jacksonville Animals organization, we’re hopeful we can start her heartworm treatment soon.
While I’m relieved Sasha doesn’t have to return to the shelter, I’m also worried about covering the costs of her ongoing care. If, like me, you believe Sasha deserves a chance to experience love and proper care, I’d be incredibly grateful for your support.
Donations toward her medical care are welcomed through our GoFundMe campaign. I’ve also put together an Amazon wishlist with the items we need for Sasha, and anything purchased from that list will be sent directly to us. Both links are available below.
Sasha will be looking for her forever home soon. If you’re considering adding a loving companion to your family and are interested in giving this sweet girl a second chance, please let me know. 💛
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/1adbdac6
Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3H01IQEFV2MH5?ref_=wl_share
Sasha’s story is one of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. I met her at t… Mia Vargas needs your support for Urgent Care Needed for Sasha's Recovery