American Heartworm Society Launches Website Grammar School Section

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - AVMA Convention

Teaching children about the important issue of heartworm disease is the goal of a new grammar school section on the American Heartworm Society's website. The new site, underwritten by Fort Dodge Animal Health, provides entertainment for children ages five through 15, and at the same time educates kids about the importance of raising a healthy and happy pet.

Dr. Sheldon Rubin, Secretary-Treasurer of the American Heartworm Society said, "Teaching children the responsibilities involved in taking care of a pet is one of the many steps in developing the young person into a caring and compassionate individual. The dangers of heartworm disease and the proper care of pets are just a few of the many lessons our website will teach children with the hope of developing a lasting impression on these young minds."

The new grammar school section introduces two new cartoon characters, a dog named Jake and a cat named Ginger, who teach children about the importance of twice-a-year veterinary health exams, proper exercise and heartworm prevention medication through the use of coloring pages and games. The objective of the new section is to reach out to a younger audience promoting heartworm disease education through fun and educational activities.

Fort Dodge Animal Health agrees that teaching children about responsible pet care should start at an early age. "We are pleased to partner with the American Heartworm Society to help teach the importance of heartworm disease. Our goal is to reach out to as many children as possible by providing beneficial information on proper healthcare for pets," said Craig Wallace, Director of Companion Animal Business, Domestic Sales and Marketing, Fort Dodge Animal Health.

To view the American Heartworm Society's new grammar school section, click on the following website at www.heartwormsociety.org, then download the coloring pages and games. Also added to the new site are frequently asked questions addressing the issues of heartworm disease.

Founded during the Heartworm Symposium of 1974, the American Heartworm Society was formed to facilitate and encourage the generation and dissemination of information about heartworm disease and encourages adoption of standardized procedures for its diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The American Heartworm Society stimulates and financially supports research, which furthers knowledge and understanding of the disease. Its headquarters are located in Batavia, IL.