Pensacola, FL- Gatsby Hendrix, a 2 year old tri-colored beagle, returned home last night after a short stay in the Olive Road Animal Hospital. Charlie and Janel Hendrix, his proud owners, were relieved to have him back after his short absence.

Gatsby was recently adopted from the Escambia County Animal Shelter in Pensacola, Florida. Though the Hendrix family loves their new addition, they claim the shelter's standards of operation leave something to be desired.

"When we adopted Gatsby, we were told that he had a preliminary health check before being placed for adoption," said Charlie, a 28-year old managing editor at the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. "On his first visit to the vet, we learned he had 'everything,'" including, says Hendrix, heartworms.

"When we contacted the Animal Shelter, they encouraged us to bring him back for a refund. We couldn't let them put such a good dog to sleep."

Janel agrees. "I just couldn't let him die. He is too sweet to deserve such a fate this soon."

Gatsby's recent stay in the Animal Hospital was for treatment of his heartworm infection. Dr. Mark Sprayberry indicated that, "Gatsby is doing very well. All his other tests came back normal."

Aftercare for the treatment will be difficult, but is well worth it, say the Hendrixes. Charlie says, "It is nice to have him home again. Even though we can't allow him to do all the fun dog things he likes, like run and chase his toys, after four to six weeks, he'll be a regular dog again."