Hello, friends, family, and compassionate animal lovers,

I’m reaching out today with a heavy heart and a humble request for help. My beloved German Shepherd, Sam, has recently been diagnosed with heartworm disease—a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Sam is only 5 years old, still full of life, love, and loyalty, and we are determined to give her the chance she deserves to live a long and healthy life.

Sam’s Story:

I brought Sam home as a puppy during the height of COVID, and from that moment on, we’ve been inseparable. She’s my “Velcro dog”—never more than a few steps away, always by my side. She’s more than just a pet—she’s family, my soul dog. Sam is smart, loyal, and full of love. She adores chasing her favorite ball, going on hikes, playing with her mom and dad, and curling up for snuggles at the end of the day.

The Diagnosis:

Sam’s heartworm diagnosis came as a complete shock. She had shown no signs of illness—it was discovered during her routine yearly check-up through a simple blood test. While she’s recently developed a bit of a cough (one of the early symptoms), we are incredibly grateful this was caught before things got worse.

What makes this even more surprising is that heartworm is extremely rare in Canada, with only a 0.42% chance of infection. We never imagined something so unlikely would affect Sam, but unfortunately, it has—and now she needs intensive care.

The treatment is long, intense, and expensive. Sam is now beginning a 365-day minimum protocol that includes strict rest, multiple medications and injections, regular lab work, and frequent vet visits. She’ll have to give up the activities she loves most—playing, running, even getting too excited—because any physical stress could be life-threatening while she heals.

How You Can Help:

The cost of treating heartworm ranges from $3,000 to $6,000, and it’s a burden I can’t manage alone. That’s why I’m asking for your help—whether through a donation or by sharing Sam’s story. Every bit of support will go directly toward:

• Veterinary care and diagnostics along with X-rays and ultrasounds

• Medications and injections

• Ongoing monitoring and lab work

• Supportive care during recovery

Your kindness can give Sam a second chance—and the opportunity to get back to living the happy, playful life she loves.

Thank you for taking the time to read Sam’s story and for caring. With your support, I know she’ll get through this and come out stronger. Whether you’re able to donate or share, please know that every gesture of support means the world to us.

With deep gratitude,

Teeya and Justin