It's been a while since we posted an update on one of Golden State's dogs. This handsome boy popped up on my FB feed, and I wanted to reshare his story because Zeus' life needs to be shared. Zeus was found as a stray in Stockton. No shock there. Many of the dogs we, and other Rescues, pull from shelters are picked up as "strays". Zeus was originally "tagged" by an out-of-state Rescue and was sent to UC Davis to be neutered. While he was there, a heartworm test was performed, and unfortunately, Zeus TESTED POSITIVE. He was neutered, but the Rescue refused to pull him, so Zeus was placed on the shelter's 48-hour "euth list." GSGSR met him during that time, and with each minute ticking, we had less and less time to find a place for him. Thankfully, we called George, and he immediately said, "YES," he would foster Zeus. He was informed about the HW result, the treatments, and his recovery. George wasn't fazed about anything. He wanted to help. Zeus had to endure two very painful treatments and extensive crate rest that lasted several months. Even with treatment, there was no guarantee Zeus would be HW-free. Dogs must be tested twice and both tests must come back negative before being considered HW-free. Zeus has been tested...twice and HE IS HEARTWORM FREE!!! Why am I sharing this? First, to celebrate Zeus and 2) because two GSDs in Sacramento have tested positive for heartworm. Not surprising the two dogs are 100% outdoor dogs, which increases their chance of contracting heartworm. But even if dogs are kept indoors, mosquitoes can find their way into homes. So what can be done? 1) Bring your dogs indoors, especially when mosquitoes are active. 2) Do not have standing, stagnant water around your house. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 3) Get your dog(s) tested and consider putting them on HW meds. Prevention is easier and less expensive to manage than treating heartworm. And for the dog, prevention is less painful than having to experience the treatments. As for Zeus...he has become George's constant and loyal companion and from all accounts, Zeus feels the same way <3 (fb)

***VERY SAD STORY*** PLEASE SHARE. PLEASE CONSIDER ADOPTING ------------------------------------------------- McFarland is a city in the San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County, California. McFarland is located 25 miles north-northwest of Bakersfield and 6.5 miles south of Delano. The shelter there has asked for help with some of their dogs that have been in their shelter for a long time, some up to four years. Timothy McGrath, Code Enforcement Supervisor writes, "These dogs, Peter, Chester, Chris, Kara, Cookie, and Frank, are all German Shepherds (or mixes) who have been with us for 2 to nearly 4 years. Despite their unique personalities, progress, and love for our staff, they’ve continuously been overlooked, mostly due to breed preferences and long-term stigma in our local area. They have done nothing wrong. In fact, they’ve done everything right. They’ve grown, trusted again, learned to play, and shown us every day that they are still full of hope. But the longer they stay, the more we worry that hope is starting to fade. We’ve poured our hearts into their care, physically, emotionally, and medically, but they deserve more than we can give inside kennel walls. They deserve homes, families, love, and the freedom to be dogs again." For information on or to adopt any of these dogs, please contact Timothy McGrath, Supervisor Code Enforcement | McFarland Animal Services Office (661) 792-2121 Web www.mcfarlandcity.org Email tmcgrath@cityofmcfarland.ca.gov (fb)