MENTOR, Ohio — The Lake County Humane Society is asking the public for its help as they care for a heartworm-positive mother dog and her new puppies.
Myrtle, a 6-year-old beagle mix, was transferred to the Lake County Humane Society from a shelter in Kentucky. When Myrtle arrived at the shelter she was in the late stages of pregnancy, the shelter said.
On Jan. 14, she gave birth to seven puppies but only five survived, according to the shelter. Just days after the beagle gave birth to her puppies, another pregnant dog, Lola, gave birth to two puppies that she was unable to care for, so Myrtle took them in and began nursing them as her own.
As Myrtle takes care of her puppies, the shelter is beginning to administer a monthly heartworm prevention to weaken the worms already in her heart and lungs and prevent further infection.
The Lake County Humane Society is accepting donations to help pay for heartworm treatment for Myrtle, and two other dogs that were diagnosed with heartworm. The total cost of treatment for the dogs is $1,000. The shelter is raising money through its Angel Fund.
Any excess funds that are raised will be saved and used to help the next rescued animal in need of medical care.
To learn more about the Angel Fund or to donate to the shelter, click here.
