Published: April 11, 2008 01:18 pm      

Playful pooches get a second chance

DANVILLE — Carmen, Jackson and Roxy have some things in common: They love their treats and toys, they like to play and they crave attention.

Also, all three are being treated for heartworms.

And all three need loving homes.

For now, the dogs are getting five-star treatment at River Road Boarding Kennel near Bismarck because the Vermilion County Animal Shelter is full.

The kennel is a good place for them to recuperate while they undergo treatment.

The dogs are supposed to stay quiet, but it’s difficult to suppress their playful spirits. Just looking at them, there’s no clue that they’ve been sick.

When the dogs came into the shelter — separately — they tested positive for heartworms. The Vermilion County Animal Shelter Foundation paid for medical treatment.

Now that they’re recovering, the foundation hopes to find good homes for each of the dogs.

Carmen is a purebred chocolate Labrador retriever who came from Iroquois County.

Diana Bryant, president of the foundation board, described her as a big beautiful girl, who weighs 70 pounds.

“She is so very sweet and affectionate,” she said.

Carmen, who is 2-3 years old, loves her toys.

Jackson, 3 to 4 years old, appears to be a beagle-corgi mix who also came from Iroquois County.

“He is adorable and just a happy-go-lucky little fella,” Bryant said.

Sharon Folkman, owner of the kennel, said he’s very smart and is housebroken. He just wants to play, she said.

Roxy is a pit bull mix who’s only 6 months old and not housebroken yet.

“She’s a sweet little dog. She’s so eager to please,” Folkman said.

Roxy has unusual markings — a brindle coat with spots, almost like an Australian shepherd.

Like the others, she has a lot of energy.

The dogs’ condition is a reminder to pet owners to start thinking about heartworm prevention.

After an animal is bitten by an infected mosquito, the heartworm larva can grow and develop into worms. These worms live inside blood vessels within and surrounding the heart and lungs.

The disease can be easily prevented, most commonly through monthly tablets.

First, dogs must be tested to ensure they don’t have heartworm before putting them on preventative medication.

In an infected dog, the heartworms place stress on the animal’s heart and other internal organs, resulting in coughing, difficulty breathing, fainting, fatigue, weight loss. If left untreated, the end result is death from heart failure and other complications.

Carmen, Jackson and Roxie are lucky their heartworms were caught in time. Now, let’s hope they’re lucky enough to find their forever families.

If you’re interested in adopting one of these dogs, contact Diana Bryant at 443-3751. Applicants will be screened.

PET FASHIONS

Does your Shih Tzu look cute in a tutu? If so, consider entering the benefit Pet Fashion Show at 2 p.m. May 3.

The show is being organized by Karen Grider, owner of Cool Moms and Trendy Babies and My Precious Pampered Pet Boutique, and Donna Cash, owner of Pawpourri grooming.

It will be held in the parking lot behind Grider’s and Cash’s business at 406 Sheridan.

Prizes will be given, a raffle held, and refreshments available.

Registration fee is $5. Pets may parade in their own clothes or in clothing bought at the pet boutique. Spectators are admitted at no charge.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Danville Police Department to help buy a dog for its K-9 program.

Grider is still looking for a couple of judges. If you want to help or enter your dog in the show, contact her at 213-6143 or come by the store. Cash can be reached at 474-0030.

DOG DAY IN PARK

Mark your calendar for another benefit to help the police K-9 program.

Dog Day in the Park will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 14 at Ellsworth Park.

The event plans to offer services, such as trimming doggy toenails. Demonstrations will be given, such as those involving agility, rally obedience and other skills. In exchange, visitors will be asked to make a donation to help the police department.

The event is being organized by Regina Sherman, owner of Lone Oak Grooming, and Lisa Long, owner of Pampered Paws.

Volunteers are being sought to help with the event. Also, organizations of any type — even those not dog-related — are invited to set up booths.

For more information, call Sherman at 446-4960.

Jars also will be set up around town so people may make donations to the K-9 program. Sherman and Long hope to raise at least $1,000.

Contact Mary Wicoff at 477-5161, send an e-mail to mwicoff@dancomnews.com or write to Commercial-News, 17 W. North, Danville, IL 61832.