Protecting their hearts since 2003!

Heartworm is a serious disease that is transmitted by mosquitos. Left untreated, it can invade the lungs and cause permanent damage to internal organs. In the most severe cases, it can be fatal.

Heartworm treatment is very painful for the dog, expensive for the rescue, and the dog must remain calm for a month after the shots are administered, which often means strict crate rest. Heartworm disease can be easily prevented by giving your dog a monthly heartworm pill and we strongly encourage guardians to get their companions tested yearly.

Thanks to your generosity, IDR+ has treated 51 heartworm positive dogs in the last five years. The average cost to get a heartworm positive dog treated is approximately $300-$500. Add to that a spay or neuter and all necessary vaccines, it can cost the rescue close to $1,000 per dog. We want to be preemptive this year and fundraise to cover projected heartworm positive intakes for 2023.

CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOUR HEART TO HELP US AGAIN?

Our goal is to raise $8000 to cover incoming expenses for 2023.

You can also mail a check via USPS. Please include “heartworm positive dogs” in the memo:

Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
PO Box 435
Barrington, IL 60011-0435

Where are they now?

Filling their homes with love!

Catch up on how our past heartworm positive cases are doing in their adoptive homes – thanks to your donations!

“Rudy (formerly Polo) has transitioned seamlessly into our family! He is equal parts sweet and goofy, and he makes us laugh every day with his antics. He made a full recovery after his heartworm treatment with no lasting side effects of the disease thanks to the comprehensive care and lifesaving efforts of IDR+ Rescue. He is such a sweet guy and we couldn’t imagine life without him!” – Jackie C.

“Lola, formally known as Onyx, has thrived in our home over the last five years. She’s a loving, rambunctious goofy girl that loves being with her people , running around in the yard and playing with her sister. Thank you ILDR Plus for providing her with her heartworm treatment and saving her life!” – Kelly B.

“Jeania is amazing and we love her very much! She is of course heartworm free and healthy! She absolutely loves to play tug-of-war with us as well as any willing dog! She has a never-ending desire to play or cuddle. She is my BFF and makes me smile everyday. I’m so grateful to have her in my life. She loves to go on car rides, eat ice cream cones, peanut butter, greenies and basically any treat! We call her our supermodel dog because she’s so beautiful.”
– Freija H.

“We adopted Porter Wagoner Doberman from IDR+ in November – he’s the 3rd Dobe we’ve adopted from your org since 2009. He’s been doing great with us – a total sweetheart that seemingly loves everyone! He gets to spend most of the winter in FL, so he’s pretty sure he’s a beach dog now. He’s recently taken up running with us and is up to 3 miles a day and loves it. The rest of the time, he’s pretty happy to hang out since we work from home.” – Jodi S.

“Bonnie is doing great. She tested heartworm negative this week and takes monthly heartworm chewable. I love her sweet, gentle nature. She loves to cuddle in my lap. She’s a wonderful dog.” – Mary T.

“Maggie came to IDR as an owner turn in. Unfortunately she was heartworm positive. We fostered her through her treatment and of course “foster failed”. Maggie is such a typical Doberman – she loves to be with her people, a huge leaner, and very needy! She loves walks, chewing bones, playing fetch, and just loves being outside. She’s a lucky girl who gets to spend the cold Chicago winters in Arizona.” – Tina F.

“Clara Jane is the most people-friendly, snuggly princess. Her favorite pastimes are going on jogs with her brother, car rides to get pup cups, and chasing bubbles. She’s always down for a good snuggle and spends her nights sleeping next to big brother or mom. Her unconditional love for her family lights up our lives.” – Alicia K.

“Jake was found running loose and was assumed to be 8 years old. He was heartworm positive and was adopted by his foster home after treatment, then began his training. He is now 10 years old and has 8 titles: Beginner Novice (BN), Rally Novice (RN), Rally Intermediate (RI), Canine Good Citizenship (CGC),
Advanced CGC, Novice Trick Dog (TKN), Virtual Home Manners (VHMA),
AKC Temperament Test (ATT).” – Carole M

Current Heartworm Positive Intakes

Your donations help dogs just like Django, pictured here. Django is a current intake who was being watched by a downstate Illinois Animal Control Officer for suspected cruelty. After several weeks outside in the cold, the owner relinquished Django and animal control asked IDR+ to take him.

Django was heartworm positive, had whip worms, an ear infection, was severely underweight, and was not neutered or up-to-date on any vaccinations. On top of this, he has fur loss on his hips and various other areas of his body from living in harsh conditions.

Django is a smart and gentle soul. He likes chewing on antlers, loves being petted, and he especially loves mealtime! Because of your support, he is being treated and will be available for adoption soon. Visit his bio here – happy update: he is pending adoption!

Hazel is a brand new intake from Southern Illinois that was left in the Humane Society’s overnight kennel while it was closed. They had her for a total of 9 days and then IDR stepped in to take her on. She was just discovered to be heartworm positive. Not much is known about her yet but she will be receiving treatment with us, getting spayed, and will be posted soon!