Papa is a five-year-old Pit Bull in Ruskin, FL, who needs $640 for heartworm treatment.

Jessly's family never intended to adopt Papa, but he really needed them. "My father-in-law rescued Papa from a mechanic shop where they were abusing him," Jessly S. tells Waggle. "My father-in-law moved, and he couldn’t have him in his new home, so my family took Papa in."

And soon after, they realized they needed Papa as much as he needed them. It was like it was meant to be. "Papa sleeps with my 15-year-old son. They have built a strong bond together that is unbreakable. I’m a foster mom, and my foster kids love playing and lying on Papa. He loves to give kisses and cuddle," Jessly says.

But the family just got some shocking news: Papa tested positive for heartworm. It seems no one gave the dog heartworm prevention in the past. They can get him treated at The Humane Society of Manatee County, but they've fallen on hard times and are having trouble paying for it. If Papa doesn't get treatment, the heartworms will eventually grow and kill him.

"We are barely surviving," Jessly says. "My wife lost her job because of COVID. She owned a small business. We, as a whole family, are trying our best to overcome everything. It would mean the world to get this financial help for Papa because we are not ready to say goodbye. We love our Papa so much."

If you can help Jessly and her family get Papa the treatment he needs he can live an extraordinary life, free of disgusting heartworms. It would mean the world to them all.

"Papa has a love for kids that matches the love that my family shares with foster kids," Jessly says. "He is so kind and loving. My son worries so much about Papa, and that brings so much sadness to me. We can’t see our life without Papa!"