The Florida based Friends of Jacksonville Animals (FOJA) works directly with Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services to benefit the lives of shelter animals.  The group focuses on fundraising to assist with medical care, enrich the shelter environment, promote adoptions, and reduce euthanasia. The BISSELL Pet Foundation knows how important it is to find all animals a forever home; through a $2,500 grant, FOJA was able to treat 45 cases of heartworm and adopt all of the treated dogs to loving homes!

One of those loveable dogs was a three year-old female mixed breed dog who was surrendered to the shelter. The owners stated that they thought the dog might be pregnant. She certainly was pregnant, delivering her puppies the very next day! FOJA cared for the puppies and mom, and of course when they were old enough the puppies were quickly adopted…who can resist a cuddly puppy?! Unfortunately, the mother was found to be heartworm positive. Mom was treated at the shelter, cured and also adopted into her forever home!

The City of Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services is a last resort shelter. Some of the most difficult dogs to find home for are those who come to the shelter heartworm positive. Treatment is expensive and even though the dogs can be cured, most are not able to undertake the cost of treatment. Thanks to the grant from the BISSELL Pet Foundation, FOJA has been able to pay for the cost of the needed medication that the shelter is unable to afford. FOJA used the BISSELL Pet Foundation grant to purchase enough medication to cure 45 dogs at the shelter.  All of these treated dogs have since been adopted out into forever homes rather than facing euthanasia! High paws to all involved!

About the BISSELL Pet Foundation

The BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters and to support organizations dedicated to the humane care and treated of animals through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping and foster care. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, the BISSELL Pet Foundation is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. The foundation is supported to BISSELL Homecare, Inc., a 137-year-old Grand Rapids-based floor care appliance brand in its fourth generation of family leadership.