JACKSONVILLE, Texas (TXAN 24) -- In 2019, Stephanie Hassell experienced a heartbreaking loss when her beloved dog, Bella, passed away at just seven years old due to heartworms. At the time, Stephanie and her family were unaware of the dangers of heartworm disease or how to prevent it. Bella wasn’t just a family pet—she was her husband’s best friend and a devoted protector of their children. Her untimely death left a deep emotional void, but it also inspired a mission that has since transformed the lives of countless dogs and families in Cherokee County.
Determined to prevent other pets from suffering the same fate as Bella, Stephanie began volunteering at a local animal rescue and delving into the realities of heartworm disease. What she learned was alarming: many pet owners in Cherokee County lacked awareness about heartworms, and affordable options for prevention and treatment were scarce.
From this realization, Bella's Heart was born. Founded by Stephanie, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing heartworm prevention and treatment for low-income families while raising awareness about this life-threatening disease.
A Mission of Compassion and Education
"Our mission is simple," Stephanie explained. "We want to help families who can't afford heartworm prevention or treatment for their dogs, and we also want to raise awareness about the importance of keeping pets on heartworm prevention year-round."
Bella’s Heart provides financial assistance to families in need, covering the costs of heartworm treatments and preventative medications. But their mission extends beyond financial aid. With a growing population of stray dogs in Cherokee County, the organization also acts as a lifeline for abandoned animals. Bella’s Heart offers temporary shelter and medical care for strays until they can be placed in loving homes or connected with larger rescue organizations.
Tackling the Stray Dog Crisis
"We’re seeing a lot of dogs left abandoned on the streets, and it’s heartbreaking," Stephanie shared. "We get calls every month from people reporting strays or asking for help. We do everything we can to find them foster homes or connect them with bigger rescues."
The nonprofit’s commitment to addressing the stray dog crisis has led to plans for a partnership with Cherokee County to implement a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program. This initiative aims to humanely manage the stray dog population and reduce the number of unwanted animals in the area.
Spreading Awareness Through Education
Heartworm education is a cornerstone of Bella’s Heart’s efforts. The organization develops educational materials and hosts presentations at schools, libraries, and community events to inform the public about the risks of heartworm disease and the importance of prevention.
"Most people don't realize how serious heartworm disease is until it’s too late," Stephanie said. "The treatment is expensive, but heartworm prevention is affordable. If we can catch it early, we can save lives."
The Challenge of Funding
Like many nonprofits, Bella’s Heart relies on donations to sustain its programs. Funds are needed to support heartworm treatments, provide food for foster dogs, and cover veterinary expenses. Stephanie remains optimistic that the Cherokee County community will rally behind their cause.
"We have a lot of work to do, but we’re making a difference," she said. "Bella's story can help prevent others from losing their dogs to he
artworms, and we’re committed to saving as many animals as we can."
How to Support Bella’s Heart
Community members can contribute to Bella’s Heart by making donations online at www.bellashearttexas.com or sending checks to Bella’s Heart, 3918 County Road 3305, Jacksonville, TX 75766 or at the following links below:
As Bella’s Heart continues to grow, its impact is felt in every family it assists and every dog it saves. Stephanie’s dedication to honoring Bella’s memory ensures a brighter, healthier future for pets and their families in Cherokee County.
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