Lil Debbie (above), who has finished her treatment and is heartworm-free, has been officially adopted and is living her absolute best life. Loretta (at right) tested positive for heartworm disease and is currently undergoing her treatment in our care, and can’t wait to meet her match.

February is American Heart Month, a time for all to focus on their cardiovascular health. And, there’s no better time to check on the heart health of your beloved pet.

Virginia, and the Hampton Roads area, has a greater rate of heartworm disease than many other states. The goal of GMHS’s Help for Hearts program is to leverage our network of shelter and rescue groups to transfer in heartworm-positive dogs from shelters lacking the resources to treat these dogs in need. In our care, they receive the life-saving heartworm treatment and go on to join their forever families.

Just one of the many dogs whose life was saved by Help for Hearts is Lil Debbie, who joined GMHS from another local shelt...