11/02/2026
🩺🐾 Medical Monday: Meet Blade! A 4 year old, Male, Cane Corso Mix.
Today, we are shining a spotlight on Blade, a big, sweet boy with an even bigger heart! Blade seems to love everyone he meets! He’s happy, affectionate, and always ready to make new friends. He’s also a strong boy, so he’ll need an adopter comfortable handling him on leash. Blade is ok with other dogs, and we think with proper introduction that he could live with a cat. We would especially love to see Blade find a home with Cane Corso experience, where his adopter can provide the structure, guidance, and love he deserves.
When Blade arrived at our shelter, he was underweight and in less-than-ideal condition. He’s been gaining weight under our care and working toward becoming his best self. His ears were also unfortunately cropped very poorly before he came to us. Despite everything he’s been through, Blade remains a happy, incredibly sweet boy.
But there’s one more thing you should know about Blade: he is heartworm positive. And that brings us to today’s medical lesson!
🦟 DID YOU KNOW IT ONLY TAKES ONE BITE FROM AN INFECTED MOSQUITO TO TRANSMIT HEARTWORMS TO YOUR DOG?
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. Left untreated, it can cause serious damage and even be fatal. The good news? Heartworm disease is largely preventable!
Here’s how you can protect your furry family members:
🐾 Keep up with preventatives! Give your dog veterinarian-recommended heartworm prevention as directed. Ask your vet about products that also protect against fleas and ticks.
🐾 Stay consistent year-round! Even indoor dogs can be exposed to infected mosquitoes, and missed doses can leave your dog vulnerable.
🐾 Schedule regular veterinary testing! Routine heartworm testing can identify infections, even before your dog shows obvious symptoms.
🩵 AND WHAT ABOUT BLADE?
We don’t want Blade's diagnosis to stand in the way of his happily-furever-after!
✨ Heartworm-positive dogs are NOT contagious to other dogs or people.
✨ With appropriate veterinary care, many dogs go on to live long, happy lives.
✨ HSWC will provide Blade’s heartworm treatment at no additional cost to his adopter!
Blade has already overcome so much, and now he just needs someone willing to give him the chance he deserves. Submit your application today to adopt Blade! Once approved, you will be contacted to schedule a Meet and Greet with him.
Meet Blade!