Dante is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois in Baytown, TX, who needs $1,982 for Heartworm Treatment.

Dante came to be part of our family by hanging out on my front porch for a couple of weeks. I kept seeing him on my Ring camera, but he was never around when we got home. One morning as we were leaving for work he approached us and I noticed you could easily count his ribs and see his hip bones protruding. We had to feed him. No question.

We brought Dante into the house a couple of days later, and after no response to notices on social media, made him ours. Or he made us his, I should say. He runs the house and the other dogs. He stays clear of the cats. He is the sweetest, most pets hogging, love starved dogg-o I've met, but we are dutifully accommodating his demands.

Aside from being super intelligent, Dante is a goofy dog as well. When we first let him out in the mornings, or when we're getting ready for a walk, he doesn't get normal zoomies like other dogs. This weirdo chases his tail, biting at it at 100 mph! He lets out excited little yips like he can't contain his energy and if he doesn't do this little ritual, he may burst. So cute!

So, last week, when we took Dante in for a well check, vaccines and microchip they tested for heartworms and he came back positive. He has elevated white blood cells, low albumin, and elevated kidney enzymes. Being one of the most active breeds, the slow kill option for heartworm treatment is not recommended, and he will need to be treated by injection this Dec., after he reaches a healthy weight.

After buying the house and taking out a large loan for repairs I'm in a financial bind until I finish paying it off, so I'm asking for help. I'm not asking for the full amount because this is my dog and ultimately my responsibility, but any help is greatly appreciated.