Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Long Island Dog Needs Viagra For Heart Condition
By
Jaya Saxena
Published May 16, 2010
Modified May 16, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published May 16, 2010
Modified May 16, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Ingrid, a six-year-old Pit Bull Terrier from Long Island, is close to running out of her supply of little blue libido pills, which are currently keeping her life-threatening heart condition stable. After being diagnosed with a heart condition a Vet told the shelter that Viagra, which was originally created to treat hypertension, could help blood flow to Ingrid's heart. It worked, and now the shelter is looking for more donations.
Ingrid initially got her supply when the Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Huntington held a Viagra drive on her behalf, convincing men across the country to donate some of their precious pills to save Ingrid's life. One woman even sent in her husband's pills, believing he was using them to have an affair! Ingrid, nicknamed "The Love Bug!" was diagnosed with the heart condition and with heartworm when the shelter found her about two years ago. She had been neglected by her owners, and used as a "bait" dog in dog fights.
The shelter is hoping to get a new supply from kind donors. Spokeswoman Jodi Record told WNBC, "If every man in America that has Viagra sends one pill to Ingrid that will be keeping her alive for several years." Since her medication is not covered by most animal insurance, pills can end up costing $10 a piece for the shelter. However, she is currently up for adoption, and whoever takes her home will receive a lifetime supply of the pills—for Ingrid!
Tagged
dog
dog shelter
heart condition
long island
pitbull
viagra
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani must redo his pied-à-terre tax rollout, NY judge orders
A Staten Island judge ruled against the city in a lawsuit challenging the rollout of the new tax, a day after a billionaire casino mogul sued to invalidate it.
By
David Brand
Published Sep 29, 2026 at 4:11 p.m. ET
Modified Sep 29, 2026 at 5:07 p.m. ET
NYC eyes higher fines for owners of dirty vacant lots, abandoned construction sites
The sanitation department seeks to increase the fines for landlords who neglect their abandoned lots from $100 to $250.
By
Liam Quigley
News
NYC eyes higher fines for owners of dirty vacant lots, abandoned construction sites
The sanitation department seeks to increase the fines for landlords who neglect their abandoned lots from $100 to $250.
By
Liam Quigley
NJ Gov. Sherrill vetoes 2 bills meant to give strapped Jersey City more revenue tools
By
Michael Sol Warren
Brooklyn residents displaced after facade falls off neighboring building amid nor'easter
By
Catalina Gonella
Mamdani opts not to define antisemitism in report to combat Jewish hate crimes
By
Elizabeth Kim
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .