GRRRR! Quit frrting around, take the dog to a vet immediately, tell them to send the bill to your parents. If they refuse to do this, ask if they have some kind of charity fund that helps out with vet care--a lot of vet hospitals have this, every time I take one of my pets to the vet I check the box to give a dollar to this fund. As a last resort, take the dog to the Humane Society--at least it will get medical care and have a chance at finding a better home than your parents are willing to provide.

Yeah, I think the shelter would be the worst place to go. If the dog is having a huge medical issue they don't have the money or the time to deal with such a big problem. The dog would be put down.

GGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it!!!! We tried different foods, and this new food mix seemed to work for a while, but now she's back to her old habits. She's fast, alert, her nose is cold and wet, and her eyes are crystal clear. Everything about her says "I'm a healthy dog." except for her skinniness!!! I thought it was under control, but it started up again!! Anyone know an animal clinic with a charity offer in Virginia? Preferably around Spotsylvania?

I am so sorry you're going through this. Immediate action is necessary. I recently was going through a few days of my Daisy not eating. I took her to the vet. All her blood results were fine. Still not eating. Did an ultrasound. Found a large tumor on her spleen. Immediately into surgery. I'm not saying that is what is wrong with your dog, but the dog's not eating is telling you, and your parents, that the dog is SICK! And should go to the vet immediately!! I used to think, oh, maybe she's playing me because I spoil her too much. I will never think that way again. Tell your parents that their guilt at not getting her to the vet asap will be overwhelming for them to bear. Perhaps you can start some kind of community drive for vet expenses, or maybe we can even do something on line. JUST GET YOUR PARENTS TO ACT IMMEDIATELY, if you can. I can't believe you're only 12. Some things are out of your control, but at least you'll know that you tried everything that is in your control. The very best of luck for you and yours.

This sounds exactly like my golden retriever, Rusty. He's nearly 2 years old and still looks like a few month old puppy. Just last year he was in the Vet for stomach problems. But he's also had alot of other problems like bloody poop and the vets can't seem to do anything about it. And it's so horrible watching an innocent animal go through so much pain. But these last few weeks have been even worse, he doesn't eat, he was puking so much the other day we had to take him to the vet, AGAIN. He was there for a few days and they said he was dehydroated. But he wouldn't eat. You can also see the skinnyness of this dog. And I've been feeding him by hand with his food and most of the time he'll eat a couple handfuls from your hand then he'll just stop but I know he can't be full because he hasn't eatin in days.. I just wish the vets could find out what's really wrong. And maybe you should try hand feeding your dog? It's just a suggestion I'm not sure if it'd help like it did mine. This golden is deff different then others. Very small, and he has spots on his tounge, which they said is because he's a pure breed? But, I hope all goes well with your dog.

Giving a dog that has been diagnosed with having heartworms heartworm preventative does not kill them. It is called a "slow kill" process. It kills the baby heartworms and prevents new ones from being created and then over the course of time the adult heartworms eventually die.