May 7th- 13th | What Every Foster Should Know About Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious condition spread through a single bite from an infected mosquito, making prevention a vital part of every dog's routine. Since these pests can find their way indoors year-round, staying consistent with monthly preventatives is the best way to keep your pup healthy and happy!
Transmission via Mosquitoes: Heartworms are transmitted exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito; they cannot be passed directly from one dog to another.
The Larval Lifecycle: When a mosquito bites, it deposits microscopic larvae that migrate into the dog's bloodstream and eventually mature into foot-long worms in the heart and lungs.
Prevention vs. Treatment: Monthly preventatives work by killing larvae before they become adults, which is significantly safer and more cost-effective than treating a full-blown infection.
Did you know that many of the dogs waiting for their forever homes are heartworm positive? While the diagnosis sounds daunting, it is a manageable condition and certainly not the end of the road for these resilient pups. We are dedicated to providing the care they need to get back to full health, and the journey to "Heartworm Negative" is a clear, three-step process:
Step 1: The Foundation. We begin treatment with a 30-day course of antibiotics. This initial phase helps weaken the heartworms and prepares the dog's body for the next stage of recovery.
Step 2: The Treatment. Following the antibiotics, dogs receive two consecutive heartworm injections. these are the heavy hitters that target the infection directly.
Step 3: The Celebration. Once the injections are complete, we perform a follow-up test in 6 months to ensure the treatment was successful. There is no better feeling than officially clearing a dog as heartworm negative!
Fostering or adopting a heartworm-positive dog is a rewarding way to save a life. With a little patience and a structured medical plan, these dogs can go on to live long, happy, and active lives with their new families!
Fiction: You are required to foster a pet through their entire heartworm treatment before they can be officially adopted.
Fact: If a dog finds their forever family during treatment, we can process the adoption immediately so they can finish their recovery in the comfort of their new home!
Our upcoming Herd You Needed A Dog event is one of the most impactful opportunities we have to get dogs seen outside of the shelter.
Fort Worth Stockyards – Rodeo Drive
May 9
During PBR Week
This event brings in thousands of visitors from across the country, many of whom are actively looking to adopt. It’s a completely different environment from the shelter—one where dogs can be seen, interacted with, and truly connect with potential adopters.
Right now, we have:
A large number of open foster slots still needing to be filled
Many available dogs who would directly benefit from this level of exposure
If you’ve been considering fostering, this is one of the most meaningful ways to get involved.
Whether you already have a foster or are willing to take one ahead of the event, your participation directly increases a dog’s chance of being seen—and placed.
👉 View events and sign up through the Resource Center - CLICK HERE
👉 Need a foster for the event? Email us and we’ll match you - CLICK HERE
Are you ready to find you next temporary foster??
Well we have TON of pups waiting right now who need foster homes in order to make their trips!
Meet one of our candidates, Jill!
Jill is a nervous girl with a big, gentle heart just waiting to feel safe. She may be unsure at first, but underneath that timid exterior is a sweet pup who truly wants to connect—she just needs someone to show her that the world isn’t so scary.
One of Jill’s best qualities? She’s very food motivated! Treats are a great way to build trust with her, and she takes them so politely, showing just how gentle and respectful she is.
With patience, kindness, and a calm environment, Jill will continue to grow in confidence and come out of her shell. She’s looking for someone who will go at her pace and help guide her as she learns and explores.
If you have a soft spot for shy dogs and the heart to help one blossom, Jill could be your perfect match.
She is set to leave on 6/24 but in order for her to leave she needs a foster!
🐾 Female / Intact / 7 months / 35lbs
Could you be be Jill's savior? Check her out HERE
Be sure to check out Jill's friends on our Trello Board HERE
Your dedication to the dogs who stand out and the ones who wait quietly in the background makes all the difference. By offering your time and patience to those often overlooked, you are providing the exact bridge they need to finally feel safe and show the world who they truly are. Thank you for being the person who slows down and sees their potential—the transformation is a gift that belongs to you both.
We’ll see you out there.
FWACC Foster Team