About Ollie

Unfortunately for Ollie, another challenge was in store, as he tested positive for heartworm disease during a routine vet check only three months after adoption. “The range of emotions, uncertainty, and genuine concern for Ollie is what rushed through my mind.” Although Lauren was filled with concern, she never once thought of the worst, and she focused on what she could do to ensure that Ollie got the right care.

At the time of adoption, SOSARL counsels all adopters about the importance of regular, year-long heartworm preventative as well as annual testing since heartworm medications are not 100 percent effective. We also discuss the lag time between exposure to heartworm disease and the point at which a dog can test positive, and the importance of retesting for heartworm disease six months after the date of adoption. Dogs in rescue often have an unknown vetting history and we know that 64% of all dogs in the USA do not receive any heartworm preventive medication so it is reasonable to assume that most rescue dogs have not been on a heartworm preventative prior to rescue intake. This is unfortunately likely what happened in Ollie’s case, and while he tested negative upon intake and was immediately started on preventatives, the infection had already taken hold. Thankfully Ollie had his adoptive mom looking out for him, and she caught the infection early at his six month recheck test.

After reaching out to SOSARL, Lauren was relieved to learn that the rescue would financially support Ollie’s heartworm treatment and had recommendations for her on how to proceed. The AHS treatment protocol was recommended as the gold standard and the only heartworm treatment protocol that SOSARL supports. This protocol is not without work or cost, however, as it spans a five month treatment period during which exercise must be restricted, oral medications administered, and several injections as well as overnight hospitalizations are required.

With SOSARL’s financial support, Lauren wasted no time to get Ollie on the proper treatment path, and when he was retested months later after treatment, his test came back negative confirming successful treatment!

“I think one of the most important things is to have a group of people you are either close to or can empathize with your situation.” Lauren found comfort, support, and extended knowledge through Save One Soul Animal Rescue League and a social media group called Heart Help where individuals with heartworm positive dogs can come together and share stories and tips to ease the process.

Today, Lauren and Ollie are living the life in Cumberland, RI and strive to make the most out of life every day with endless belly rubs and scenic walks! Lauren also pays it forward, by volunteering with SOSARL and leading the SOS reTAIL media team.

SOURCE: and according to a 2009 compliance study published by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

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