In our vibrant pet-loving communities, few bonds rival the profound friendship between humans and their furry companions. At a recent pet blessing event, the air buzzed with barks, howls, and wagging tails, showcasing unbreakable kinships. These moments remind us of Saint Aelred of Rievaulx’s words: “Friendship is that virtue by which spirits are bound by ties of love and sweetness and out of many are made one.” This is especially true for dogs undergoing challenging journeys like heartworm treatment for dogs, a grueling process involving arsenic-based injections such as melarsomine, which targets adult heartworms but demands strict recovery protocols.
Heartworm disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal if untreated. According to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), prevention with year-round FDA-approved medications—like monthly chewables or topicals—is essential, starting as early as 8 weeks of age. Treatment typically includes doxycycline to weaken worms, followed by melarsomine injections (often on days 1, 30, and 31), with crate rest for at least two months to prevent deadly clots as worms die off. Gretchen, a majestic long-haired German Shepherd, endured this ordeal and emerged stronger, becoming a beacon of resilience.
Meeting Gretchen
About six years ago, on a bright, cool day at a pet blessing, I spotted an elegant dog amid the crowd. Her long fur caught the light, but her eyes held a quiet plea. Rescued and mistreated, Gretchen was brought by Keane from a local rescue for a blessing before starting heartworm treatment. The procedure is notoriously tough—arsenic slowly kills the parasites, but it stresses the dog’s body, requiring antibiotics, pain management, and zero exercise during recovery.
Gretchen showered me with playful affection despite her ordeal, her spirit unbroken. I mentioned interest in being her forever home, then forgot amid church duties. Eight weeks later—post-treatment recovery—Keane called: “Gretchen’s ready to meet you. Can I bring her to church?” I agreed, forgetting to tell my wife, Vicki. Parish admin Luigi lured her there with tales of a “German visitor.” With tail wagging furiously, Gretchen won Vicki over instantly. Our home became her sanctuary.
Keane later shared: “She touched me deeply—the sweetest, gentlest dog. Mistreated and near giving up, she regained strength but never lost faith in people. Dogs’ forgiveness amazes me. She bonded with you instantly—love at first sight.”
Gretchen the long-haired German Shepherd looking sad before her heartworm treatment
Gretchen: The Church Dog Extraordinaire
Gretchen quickly claimed her role as “the church dog.” She’d join noon Mass, settling behind the altar, or Wednesday evenings, greeting parishioners before lounging nearby. In my office, she’d curl up contentedly. Her true magic shone walking through Anna’s Place, navigating 30 high-energy inner-city kids. Amid their noise and jumps, Gretchen glided calmly, letting them pet her. Nervous kids relaxed; gleeful ones beamed. “Is she a wolf-dog?” they’d ask. By kitchen exit, the group quieted, sensing her peaceful kinship.
Far from a stuffy church lady, Gretchen loved New Orleans haunts: The Pub, Golden Lantern, Mags, The Phoenix. She’d snag a cool cement floor spot, sniff greetings (sometimes cheekily), then “kiss” friends. Her forgiving nature, post-heartworm recovery, made her a social star. For senior dogs like her later years, a best diet food for senior dogs supports joint health and energy—consult your vet for tailored options like those from Purina Essential Care.
Post-treatment care is crucial: limit activity to potty breaks, monitor for coughing or lethargy, and follow AHS guidelines for antigen testing six months later. Gretchen thrived, her gentle demeanor healing everyone she met.
The Soulful Depths of Gretchen’s Eyes
Dogs like Gretchen prompt deep questions: Do they have souls? St. Augustine called eyes “windows to the soul.” Gazing into her deep brown ones revealed gratitude, love, life. Science backs this—studies show dogs’ brains light up like lovers reuniting, firing oxytocin and dopamine.
Gretchen embodied companionship: curling by my porch chair, feet at the sink, under the dresser while dressing, gate-watch for my return. As Saint Aelred noted, “out of many are one.” She shared this with bar patrons, rowdy kids, weekday worshippers—pure, unconditional love.
Gretchen curled up comfortably in her loving home environment
Gretchen’s Battle with Canine Osteosarcoma
This fall tested us: Betsey (Shih Tzu) and Heidi (Shepherd) crossed the rainbow bridge. Now, Gretchen faces canine osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer spreading rapidly. Prognosis is poor—without treatment, survival averages 2-3 months; amputation plus chemotherapy yields about 10 months median, per sources like Cornell Vet and AKC Canine Health Foundation.
We focus on comfort: pain meds, mobility aids, quality time. No pain in her upward gaze—just joy in company. For end-stage care, strategies like those in home care for dog with congestive heart failure apply: rest, monitoring, vet guidance.
Gretchen with her furry friends Betsey and Heidi, the krew that frolicked together
Lessons from Our Furry Friends
Gretchen’s tale transcends one dog—it’s our human condition. Emulate her: love freely, forgive deeply. Fur babies adopt us, offering unconditional love. As Genesis says, “God saw all that he had made, and it was good”—perfect in a dog’s life.
Cherish your pets: Prevent heartworm year-round, catch issues early, provide senior nutrition. Consult vets for personalized care. Gretchen taught community, peace, soulful bonds.
References:
- American Heartworm Society. (2024). Heartworm Guidelines for Dogs. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/veterinary-resources/american-heartworm-society-guidelines
- PetMD. (2022). Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) in Dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_multi_osteosarcoma
- AKC Canine Health Foundation. Bone Cancer in Dogs. https://www.akcchf.org/disease-history/bone-cancer-in-dogs/
- Veterinary Partner. Heartworm Treatment for Dogs. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=254088&id=4951486
