Zuni – Found as a Stray in Heat; Heart Worm Positive

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Diana

4/22/20 – Zuni is another one of the many abused and abandoned animals who need our help during some very trying times. She was found as a stray in heat. No one claimed her and, fortunately, she was not pregnant. But, she was found to be heart worm positive. Some very disgusting people also did the job on her ears. Streethearts Rescue has Zuni and they say she is a very sweet dog. Please contact them if you are interested in adopting. She will begin her heart worm treatment as soon as the vet receives our check,which we will make happen in no time! – diana
4paws1heart.org/doantions/

Nala – A Call For Help and One Social Posting Changed Her Life Forever

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Diana

4/2/20 – A quick story about why I believe timing is everything and sharing via social media can SAVE a life.
March 3rd I posted a few pics of a dog that needed a home. Backstory: Owner had to give up dog because he and his wife split up and the dog wasn’t allowed at the new home. Alternatively, she would temporarily live in the garage, get put on Craigslist, or be taken to a shelter.
An acquaintance of the owner and friend of my stepfather, offered to take the dog, “Nala”, but he wasn’t prepared for giving her what she needed.
I was asked to help, and with little hope for a quick/immediate solution I posted her on my page March 3rd.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want her to be placed in a home on such short notice. It was that she was like the countless other large breed, bully breed, adult dogs in need of a home RIGHT NOW and realistically I didn’t think it could happen.
I posted on my page and in less than 24 hours a mutual friend shared with a relative who was in search for a rescue dog….a compatible large breed dog for her family.
I put her in touch with my stepfather’s friend who currently had “Nala”.
4 paws 1 heart offered to pay for the spay, vaccines, and check up for her and a “Meet and Greet”was quickly arranged between Nala and the relative of my mutual Facebook friend.
About 1 week later Nala went to her new forever family and this is what makes my ♡ happy. Here are the updated pics.
All I did was share and that ONE share changed the life of one dog forever. It changed the life of her new family forever. Timing is EVERYTHING and sometimes we r just here to be the person in- between a Miracle. Gina

Blackie – Shot At by Humans and Attacked By Dogs; Now Living the Good Life

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Diana

If you aren’t aware of Blackie’s story, please check out our website,4paws1heart.org. Blackie was attacked by dogs at the vacant Packard plant in Detroit, and 16 pellets were found in his body. Can you imagine this poor animal being used for target practice?? And after emergency care, Blackie was found to be heart worm positive. 4 Paws 1 Heart paid for all of his medical needs and our friends at Michigan Animal Crew took him into their rescue. He is looking amazing and his foster mom said he is gaining weight and feeling very comfortable. The first two photos are of him now. The third photo is when he was brought into the emergency hospital. Thought everyone could use some happy news. – diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/

Hercules and Lucy – Happy Birthday to the Angel Gina

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Diana

3/12/20 – Although we are a day late, Lucy (aka Cookie), Hercules, and the 4 Paws 1 Heart Board wants to wish our co-founder and animal angel, Gina DeLuca, a Happy Birthday!! Gina has saved and fostered so many animals since 4 Paws 1 Heart was created in August, 2010. Lucy and Hercules are two of them. You can read about their journeys on our website but in short — In 2010, Hercules was brought to the emergency hospital after his back legs were broken with a bat because he went into the owner’s garbage. In 2016, Lucy was brought into the emergency barely able to walk with a huge bruise on her leg and trauma to her neck and back. In both cases, 4 Paws 1 Heart paid for all of the medical needs, which in Hercules’ case, included many forms of therapy, and Gina fostered them both for months. Today, Hercules and Lucy are in amazing homes with people who are friends and who always keep these two in our lives. Hercules has been to our fundraisers and I know he will do everything possible to be at our summer 5k. Here are the two today wishing their Auntie Gina “snuggles” and a happy birthday. – diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/

Gustav – In the Hospital with the Parvo Virus

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Diana

3/4/20 – Please say a prayer for Gustav who has been in the hospital being treated for the parvo virus. Gustav was found running the streets in a very dangerous area. He is about 6 months old and we were happy to help Streethearts Animal Rescue with his treatment. – diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/

Chyna and Faith – Finally Caught After Almost Being Hit By Multiple Cars

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Diana

3/2/20 – These two 4-5 month olds were running the street and were almost hit by multiple cars. A friend of 4 Paws 1 Heart was able to catch them. It appears they were dumped in that no one has claimed ownership. They have a severe flea infestation and need spayed, vaccinated, and tested.. They will be looking for a forever home and if you are interested, let me know through private message on this page. I introduce you to Chyna and Faith.
Without your donations we could not help these innocents on the streets. – diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/

Otis – His Owner Died and the Family Needed to Find a Home

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Diana

2/25/20 UPDATE – Otis’ follow-up heart worm test was negative. YEAH!!!

2/24/20 – This past Saturday our friend Megan of Friends of Scooby contacted me about helping Otis. Here is her message:
“Meet Otis. His life has been turned upside down this past year. He was very loved and taken care of leading up to this last year. His owner fell ill with cancer and then had a stroke. He was often overlooked. I was contacted by the family after her passing, asking if I could help place him due to his current living arrangements. He’s been here two days and he’s feeling kind of punky with goopy eyes and itchy skin. Can you help? – Megan”
Otis was taken to the vet where he received basic vaccines, had heart worm and fecal tests, had an eye wash and was given drops and antibiotics. Because his heart worm test results were questionable, he is being tested again this morning. Prayers that the test results are negative. There are so many pets who find themselves in this position when their parents die. It’s such a very sad situation and we couldn’t keep helping without your support and donations. – diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/

Blackie – Update

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Diana

2/22/20 – 4 Paws 1 Heart will continue to pay for all of Blackie’s medical needs as we have done thus far during his stay at two emergency hospitals. Very often we offer to take care of medical needs in order to find a rescue who can provide the shelter and adoption opportunities. Our plans are to have Dr. Z take over Blackie’s medical care when he’s ready. Here is an update from Jayne of Michigan Animal Crew. We are very thankful for her support.- diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/
“Michigan Animal Crew is the rescue that took Blackie in. Blackie has been with me since his release from the hospital. Blackie is the quietest, calmest most gentle dog I have seen in a long time. He is missing an eye and it is clear from reviewing the injury that the eye removal was professionally done. Therefore, Blackie was an owned dog at one time. Blackie is potty and crate trained and gets along with dogs of all sizes but he is being kept separate to allow him to decompress and rest.. At this juncture, he is sleeping, eating, pooping, repeat until his injuries heal more. I caught him snoring yesterday afternoon as he was sprawled out on a huge dog bed covered in fuzzy blankets. Blackie’s injuries are worst than the photos depict (he has been attacked a lot and have many old and new wounds), a string embedded wound around his neck, missing much of his 2 ears (besides the 2 ear infections) and he still limps badly due to the shoulder and leg bites and injury. Blackie is also skinnier than the photos show but he is getting a lot of healthy food and will be fatter in no time. Remember he is heart worm positive and we will work on that once he is healthier. Will send photos when he wakes up”

2/20/20 – Blackie Update – Blackie left the hospital late this morning and is now resting quietly in a home with the president of the rescue. He is resting well but is continuing to limp and his wounds are much worse than you can see in the photos. He is very mild mannered. We will wait a week or two before starting his heart worm treatment so that he can have time to decompress. We also want to make sure that the injection method will not be too hard on his old body and heart. Thank you for your continued prayers. 4 Paws 1 Heart will continue to cover his medical until he is fully recovered. – Diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/

Joy – RIP

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Diana

2/20/20 – I recently became aware of some very sad news, and it is with a heavy heart that I am letting those who remember her know that Joy passed away.
About 5 years ago, Joy was rescued by 2 Michigan State Troopers who responded to a call where a stray dog had been hit by a car.
It was late at night and the very compassionate troopers took her to the Emergency where I had been working.
I offered to take her into my home while she recovered and 4 paws 1 heart, helped with funding medical for her extensive injuries.
I have fostered countless animals and loved them all, but Joy was incredibly special and close to my heart..
She fit into my home and into my pack, but I knew eventually her long term care required being with someone who had the ability to allow her to thrive.
The accident left her broken. She had multiple pelvic fractures, injured knees, internal bruising, and her pain was extremely hard to control even with even the strongest meds. She couldn’t walk without being in severe pain, and she cried often. At night I layered plastic underneath her and covered her feet with my socks, wrapped her body in a blanket, and held her all until the trembling stopped. I carried her to and from work every day, took her for CT scan, knee surgery, and physical therapy.
A couple months later, the time came to give her up and my chest burned.. Not everyone understands how hard it is to pour your heart into an animal that needs you so desperately, you get them better, and then you watch them leave with the next person… The person that you trust to take over where you left off..
Joy was given a very wonderful life that she deserved, but her health took a sudden turn for the worse.
I will never ever forget her..
Rest peacefully beautiful girl. ♡
Gina

Blackie – Updates

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Diana

2/19/20 – Blackie Update. Blackie was brought to Advanced Animal Emergency in the early evening (2/18/20). Our friend, Shelley Emerson, transported her and reported the following:
“Body pictures do not show his severe underweight condition; his ribs are visible.
Ears crusty and slit 2-3 inches.
Inner ears infected with puss.
Right front leg and shoulder infected, not sure if that is cause of limp.
Left eye sunken. Status not clear yet.
Summary: no idea how this sweet male has stayed alive. Doubtful he ran away from a home.
More likely dumped and became a street bait dog.
More likely 8 years old”

Dr. Stomack called last night prior to her performing surgery. She advised that, along with everything else going on with poor Blackie, he tested positive for heart worm. She wanted to make sure we wanted to continue with the proposed surgery. This came as no surprise, really, because this poor senior dog has obviously been through hell and back. There was no way I was going to back out and abandon him at this time. So, last night Blackie had surgery by the doctor whose expertise includes pain and wound care.

I spoke with Lindsey, the veterinary technician, this morning for an update. Liindsey said that Blackie ate real well this morning and is doing good. He is a very sweet elderly dog. Both of his ears were severely infected and both had lacerations that had to be surgically treated. Blackie had many old wounds on his body that had scabbed over and those were ‘shaved’. A drain tube was also inserted in his infected shoulder. Blackie’s left eye is gone. He is on steroids and antibiotics and will be able to go to a home with the draining tube today. He will go back for a re-check in 3-5 days to have the drain tube removed. Once he completes the steroids, we will assess next steps for his heart worm treatment. I’m praying that Blackie’s rescuers can find a qualified home/rescue for Blackie to be transferred to today. 4 Paws 1 Heart will continue to pay for his medical needs. I sincerely can’t imagine how Blackie has survived on the streets and I pray for every animal out there. Unfortunately, there are thousands of Blackies needing us.- diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/

2/18/20 – Blackie is now at Advanced Animal Emergency and will be going into surgery soon. Please say a prayer for him. His wounds are extensive and the cost of surgery tonight doesn’t include anything that might be wrong with his shoulder. Anything you can do to help with his surgery would be greatly appreciated. – diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/

2/18/20 – Update on Blackie. Blackie was going to be on standby for major laceration surgery. Because it could take a couple of days, I have chosen to have Blackie moved to an emergency hospital that we typically work with and where he will get more one-on-one care. He will be transported a little later today and we will hear back from the doctor there around dinner time. Thanks for your prayers for his surgery and that he might be able to live in a home. – diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/