Zach’s Heart Under Siege
Zack is just four years old, full of life, love, and energy. But his heart is under siege. Surrendered for being “too active,” this joyful pug now faces a deadly diagnosis: caval syndrome, a rare and life-threatening complication of heartworm disease. His only hope lies in a high-risk, life-saving surgery at Texas A&M University.
From our Medical Coordinator, Signe: Zack came into rescue as an owner relinquishment. His foster immediately noticed he had oddly colored reddish-brown urine and suspected a bladder infection. After an exam and lab work, it was quickly determined that he was heartworm positive, and our doctors suspected he might have a condition called caval syndrome. This was confirmed by an exam and an echocardiogram by a veterinary cardiologist. Caval syndrome is a later-stage complication of heartworm disease and is life-threatening. A large number of heartworms collect in the right atrium, ventricle, and vena cava, blocking blood flow. In Zack's case, his cardiologist found the worms in the tricuspid valve, preventing it from closing. Caval syndrome causes anemia, cardiac failure, kidney failure, and eventual death. Zack's only hope is to go to Texas A&M University for a procedure that involves general anesthesia and manual removal of the worms by placing a specialized surgical instrument such as forceps or a snare through the jugular vein and into the right side of the heart. Although the prognosis for Zack is grave and the procedure carries a high risk of death, we feel that such a young, happy boy deserves the right to have a chance to live. Without the surgery, there is no chance for survival.
Zack didn’t choose this fight, but with your help, we can give him a fighting chance. Your donation could be the difference between heartbreak and hope. While we can’t promise the outcome, we can promise with your support to do everything possible to get Zack the care he needs and the chance he deserves.
Thank you for standing with him. DONATE HERE.
Great, big thank you!
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredibly generous donors at Cade Black. Thanks to the support of our rescue community — and Cade Black’s extraordinary generosity — Zack received the emergency surgery he needed to save his life.
Earlier this year, Cade Black also donated to help PRA’s Bingo undergo a balloon valvuloplasty, the same procedure their own beloved dog, Mr. B, received at Texas A&M. Their compassion and commitment to animal welfare have more than paid it forward.
Cade Black is a bold, botanical fragrance house that blends science and art to create small-batch perfumes, candles, soaps, mists, and incense. Their products are infused with absolutes, woods, resins, and infusions — designed to evoke emotion, memory, and a touch of wild magic. If you love scent as ritual, Cade Black is a sensory experience worth discovering.
Please consider supporting them as they grow — they’re a new company with a big heart and a mission that beautifully bridges creativity and compassion.
Zack the pug is a survivor!
Update October 9, 2025: Our little fighter made it through surgery — and the medical team removed an astonishing 19 worms from his heart. Yes, nineteen.
Zack’s story could’ve ended very differently, but because of YOU, incredible donors, supporters and everyone who shared his journey, he’s getting a second chance at life.
A special thank-you to Mr. B for also helping make Zack’s recovery possible!
From the bottom of our hearts (and Zack’s) — thank you for believing in him.
Surgery Day at Texas A&M
Update October 8, 2025: This brave boy was at Texas A&M this morning for surgery and survived! They got all the worms out of the heart. He still has some remaining in the pulmonary artery where they are usually found, so we can give him a couple months to recover then treat for the rest of them through normal heartworm treatment. They said he did great and was stable the whole time.
Please continue the support Zach, either sharing his story and/or donating. Another huge thanks to our incredible donors who’ve supported Zack’s rescue journey so far.
Mr. B of Cade Black and the $5000 match
Update October 3, 2025: We’ve already raised nearly $2,000 of the $8,000 needed for Zack’s procedure — and we just received phenomenal news. Our very generous donor, Mr. B, is back with another donation match offer to help Zack get the surgery he urgently needs. Mr. B, the beloved mascot of Cade Black, is a rescue dog himself. He once underwent a life-saving procedure at Texas A&M, and now he and his amazing family continue to pay it forward by helping other rescue dogs in need. They’ve pledged a $5,000 donation match! That means every dollar you give will be doubled — and if we reach the full match, Zack will get the care he needs, and we’ll be able to help even more dogs in crisis. This is an incredible opportunity. Please help us help Zack — donate today. No amount is too small. Every dollar brings us closer to the match and gives Zack the chance at a healthy, happy life.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
