A beautifully rust-colored hound mix dog came to the Gilmer County Animal Shelter back in April. His name was Rusty.

Rusty came to the shelter with a bleak future and next to no hope for his life as he was diagnosed with heartworms. While this disease is 100% preventable and treatable, Rusty had no human to love him. No owner to pay for the quite expensive surgery.

Without these treatment’s, Rusty’s chances at adoption were abysmal at best.

Going day to day clinging to life and hope, Rusty woke up one day to see the slim chance of a human miracle. Thanks to the tireless efforts of people like Daniel Laukke (the Director of Gilmer County Animal Shelter), Karen Wilson (of Dogs and Cats Rescue of Blairsville), Kirby Maxwell (photographer), Bill and Lynn Hall (of Katz and Dawgs Helping Hands Inc.), Alissa Becket, Marge Ambacher, and many others, Rusty’s story is still going and looking to a happy ending.

A donor was found to cover the entire medical bill and Rusty was given time. Desperate and aching, Rusty was granted the time he needed. After leaving the GCAS on Tuesday, August 11, Rusty will spend a month at a local facility before trekking to New Jersey and Eleventh Hour Rescue to find his forever home.

While Pet of the Week is usually local friends who are still available here for adoption, Rusty takes this weeks spot as he continues to bring hope to us for our animals to have happiness, hope for a future, a life, and a family.

But Rusty also teaches us something. These stories are avoidable. Simple check-ups and heartworm treatments prevent these tragedies.