Pet Advice

[goodintentions]

To make a long story short --- I have recently acquired a 3 yr old female german shepherd. Molly is a beautiful dog - a little skittish - almost well behaved...
But I took her to my vet to be checked out - and get her shots and I found out last week that she has heartworm. The vet suggested about $800 and three months to get rid of this disease. And that during treatment the dog would have to be calm & not be active - so as not to strain her heart.
1. I have a one yr old active puppy at home.
2. my over active 5 yr old grandson lives with us.
3. my husband the teacher was just told he doesn't have a contract for the next school year (no job).
I'm not inclined to spend that much money on a dog I haven't yet grown to love. And I've heard several horror stories about bad experiences with heartworm..
Anybody have any good experiences in treating this awful disease? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Blackdiamond]

Can you make the person you got it from take care of the expenses? I feel so bad about your husband's job. I can't believe we can afford to get rid of Teachers. I'm so sorry goodintentions. Maybe he can do some tutoring? You young folks are really having a hard time of it.

[goodintentions]

Thanks Blackdiamond! Appreciate the response. Sometimes I wonder if anybody even reads my posts, can't get anybody to reply to anything.
Seems like unless its ugly talk slamming somebody no one wants to chime in!

I am talking to the people I got the dog from - but they didn't want her -- thats why I got her!
You are so kind - but I have to tell ya - we aren't "young folks". My husband worked in a factory job 20 years (after some time in the Air Force) - and then went to school to finish his masters in education. He's been teaching in North Chicago for three years now - all teachers with less than four years were given non-renewal notices a few weeks ago. The hope is that they'll be asked back - but until the board gets its act together - nobody is sure of anything.
Its too bad that we can't realize that educating our young people is the only hope for the future.
Happy Weekend!

[Danno]

Try Lakes Animal clinic in Antioch. They saved a dog for me once (not heartworms) and their cost was $350 while the place in Grayslake wanted over $1200.

[goodintentions]

Thanks Danno - I'll call them!!

[Blackdiamond]

Sorry he has to wait until the Board get its act together. Can he go elsewhere? (You're right about what you said regarding non-participating unless its something controversal).