Ben is a 6-year-old Chow mix in Lancaster, PA, who needs $700 for Diagnostic Testing.

About a year and a half ago, I applied to be a foster with The Sebastian Foundation for Animal Rescue here in Lancaster County. The director sent me a picture of a dog named "Ben" and asked if I was interested. I saw this goofy looking dog and accepted. Within a week, Ben was transported from North Carolina to Harrisburg where I picked him up and he hasn't left my side since.

We like to call Ben my shadow. I cannot make a single movement without him investigating to see if I have left the room or where I am going. He literally follows me everywhere. I'm not complaining. Ben is super calm and loves to meet new people, especially on his walks or if you have a treat for him. His new favorite quarantine habit is to sit by our neighbors fence and wait until he gets a treat.

During the pandemic, I lost my job in early April. Ben was relatively healthy and this testing wasn't on my radar. I want Ben to be able to get excited without the possibility of loosing him.

Ben was tested and confirmed that he was heart worm positive as a foster. He received treatment which was successful and is heart worm negative. There was some long-term damage done to his little heart from the heart worm. With too much exercise, Ben looses consciousness and faints. He now has to see the cardiologist for diagnostic testing at Lancaster Veterinary Specialists.

Ben is a big goofball. He doesn't look where he is walking and ends up running into poles, walls, or other people. Sometimes when he runs into you, he'll leave his head down so you know that he "needs" his pets. Ben is also a great alarm clock. At 6:45 every morning, I am greeted with stinky dog breath and a few barks letting me know it's breakfast time. He has learned the phrase "5 more minutes".