Ernest

ADOPTED! APRIL 17, 201

Ernest is a 5-7 year old Shepherd/Labrador mix. He was picked up in the City of Cleveland and taken to the animal control facility. His coat was in pretty poor shape but he had a happy go lucky personality that won him over with the volunteers. While being vaccinated it was confirmed Ernest was heartworm positive. Despite knowing this and because of the generosity of strangers pledging funds to go to the rescue that would take him in, we agreed. Ernest paid a visit to The Mutt Hutt Grooming Salon and got a spa day and now he’s feeling much better! He’s clean, his coat is less furry and he’s ready to tackle on heartworm treatments. He then visited the great doctors at Gateway Animal Clinic for a full health screening before he leaves for a temporary foster home until we can find him a committed long-term foster. 

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other species of mammals. Dogs and cats of any age or breed are susceptible to infection. The disease is spread by mosquitoes. 

Because heartworm disease is preventable, the American Heartworm Society recommends that pet owners take steps now to talk to their veterinarian about how to best protect their pets from this dangerous disease. Heartworm prevention is safe, easy and inexpensive. While treatment for heartworm disease in dogs is possible, it is a complicated and expensive process, taking weeks to months for infected animals to recover. There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection in both dogs and cats, including daily and monthly tablets and chewables, monthly topicals and a six-month injectable product available only for dogs. All of these methods are extremely effective, and when administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be completely prevented. These medications interrupt heartworm development before adult worms reach the lungs and cause disease. 

Heartworm positive dogs have a lot to go through to be well. Blood tests, x-rays, heartworm treatment, blood tests, x-rays…and all the while they have to maintain little to no excitement in their lives, including exercise and play. It is recommended in many cases where dogs are being treated for heartworm that the dogs be crated for the bulk of all day and all night – for up to two months. Too much excitement or exertion can be deadly. The treatment is painful for dogs and many times there can be complications because of the seriousness of these situations.

FOSTER HOME REPORT:

He is extremely intelligent and has learned his basic commands very quickly.  He has also only lifted his leg twice in our house….Hopefully neutering will help him with that!  He will be a wonderful addition to a loving family.  He is gentle and sweet with our kids and is the ultimate Velcro dog.  My husband calls him my little white shadow….if I move, he moves.  If I sit, he sits. He gets along with our Newfie, Hamish.  I wouldn’t say he is a huge fan, but he tolerates him well.  He is a much more a people-dog than a dog-dog. Wherever he ends up, he will definitely need a fenced yard.  He likes to examine our gate and would definitely be gone if I didn’t stay outside with him every time he goes out. He is excellent on a leash and follows my lead.  He stays in the crate at night and when we are not home.  It took several days for him to go in the crate without a struggle, but now he will go in (reluctantly) because he likes the treats.  Hamish knows now that he also gets a treat when Ernest goes in his crate…haha! He is truly a sweetheart…and definitely belongs with a person/family who will give him much needed love.

While undergoing treatment we will still be trying to place him into a forever home. All medical expenses related to his heartworm treatment and future neuter will be covered by Secondhand Mutts for whomever adopts him. 

We are not a traditional shelter, we are a cage-free facility. All dogs are temperament tested and must get along with other dogs to stay here. Appointments must be made in advance to meet our Secondhand Mutts. Please call 216-664-9660 or email rescue@secondhandmutts.org to set up a time. We are closed on Sundays. We prefer to adopt to local families but will consider long distance adoptions.

Adoption Fee $200