Augie's legacy: a heart-wrenching truth
We are determined to raise awareness, advance early detection, and spare other dogs the painful end that Augie suffered. We honor the life of this good, gentle boy—who learned to trust and love humans despite his rough beginnings—by working tirelessly to help the dogs who come after him. Augie and all dogs deserve better from the veterinary profession, and we will make sure others get the chance he and they didn’t. Unfortunately, a lazy dishonest vet & the veterinary oversight community let him down and their actions killed Augie as if they intentionally ran him over with their cars. Augie always just wanted to be a good boy.
The Canine Heart Foundation was born from the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a little dog named Augie—a sweet senior rescue who had known the hardships of street life before finding a loving forever home. Augie’s senior age conditions were considered manageable by his veterinarians. Just two weeks before his death, he received a clean bill of health with no indication of Congestive Heart Failure.
Yet late one night, when Augie suddenly became ill, his devoted owner rushed him to an emergency veterinary clinic. X-rays taken that night revealed advanced, previously undiagnosed Congestive Heart Failure. Augie's vets were told of CHF symptoms but ignored the pet owner and Augie's symptoms. Tragically, Augie endured a very painful and difficult death just hours later.
We believe Congestive Heart Failure and Sudden Canine Death from heart problems are far more common in dogs than the veterinary community acknowledges. This is not new. Too many dogs die abruptly with no warning, and too many families are left devastated and without answers. Augie’s story drives everything we do.
Our unwavering mission: advocating for canine heart health
Inspired by Augie’s tragic passing, our mission at the Canine Heart Foundation is to revolutionize canine heart health awareness. We are dedicated to providing pet owners with critical information and scientific data, focusing on the dangers of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and sudden cardiac death. We strive to advance early detection methods and ensure that no other dog suffers a painful, preventable end like Augie did. Every dog deserves a chance at a full, healthy life, and we are committed to making that a reality.
A future of accountability and informed care
We envision a future where canine medical science and national and state boards governing veterinary practices is held to the highest standards, particularly regarding heart health. The veterinary community must be accountable for overlooking and ignoring canine heart conditions, which lead to premature deaths that could have been prevented with better care.
Pet owners have an undeniable right to know the entirety of their dog's health, empowering them to make informed decisions and actively participate in their pet's well-being. We advocate for transparency and diligence in veterinary practice.
Your power: taking control of your dog's heart health
Sudden Canine Death is rampant, yet many dog owners are unaware that their beloved companions could benefit from inexpensive medications, much like humans do, to extend their lives. Heart conditions are not necessarily difficult or costly to diagnose or treat. We firmly believe that the pet owner, not solely the veterinary profession, holds the ultimate decision-making power over how long their pet lives. Pet owners need to understand that dogs face many similar heart issues as humans, and with the right knowledge, they can be advocates for their dogs' longevity and quality of life.
In 2026 we will release a documentary film based on Augie's story and this important subject tentatively titled:
"Did My Vet Kill My Dog?"
"The Canine Heart Foundation is a beacon of hope, empowering us to fight for our dogs' health ensuring they receive the care they truly deserve."
Margaret Churchill, Los Angeles, California