JOY Update: 9/18/14 @ 6:00am we headed to Animal Surgical Center of Michigan for a CT Scan and Surgical Consult from Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Denger. I got to help in ICU and stay with Joy while she underwent the procedure. We are in the recovery phase and I will update with the extent of her injuries soon.. Gina

RESULTS of CT: Joy needs ACL repairs on both back legs, she has a slight bulging in one of her disks on her spine that he didn’t think was much of a big deal, she has 3 fractures in her pelvis one of them is over the joint. She does not need surgery on her pelvis, but she does need two months of strict cage rest. Then, she will need TPLO (knee surgery) on both knees. She also has a Luxating Patella on the left knee and some arthritis in her lower spine. She has a good to fair prognosis for long term. We are going to need to raise about an additional $5000 to $7,000 to take care of all future needs. ~ gina 

9/17/14 – JOY — Her situation has been a difficult one and we couldn’t say much until now. As all of our friends will remember, she was brought into emergency on Tuesday, September 9, after being hit by a car. It was determined that she had multiple fractures to her pelvis and leg but it wasn’t until Gina took a second look at the x-rays on Friday that a microchip was noticed (the first scan did not show a chip). So on Friday, 9/12/14, the microchip company was contacted and advised of the situation. The microchip company tried to contact the owner of record. On Saturday they contacted them and was told by the ‘owners’ that ‘Joy” had been stolen two years ago. The owners were advised of what had happened to Joy and the future medical obligations. The owner said they didn’t have the money and would surrender Joy. This was Saturday, September 13. 2014.

As our friends know, Joy required emergency surgery early Saturday, 9/13/14, morning due to an intestinal blockage. But she still is in severe pain due to her pelvis and leg fractures. We cannot do anything because her ‘owner’ has not signed a relinquishment form. Gina has been doing everything possible to keep her under pain medication but because of new laws, acquiring pain medication for injured animals has been ridiculously difficult. This whole situation has been heartbreaking and disgusting. We have a dog suffering, even though 4 Paws 1 Heart has limited funds, we are willing to do whatever is necessary–we made the commitment–BUT because Joy is an owned dog we cannot do anything until the ‘owner’ signs off. The microchip company has called them, our wonderful Michigan State Trooper has called them, and Gina has called them — and nothing. Joy is the absolute example of why our animal advocates need to get more involved with supporting legislation which gives our domesticated animals some rights and stops treating our domesticated animals as property. The BOTTOM LINE is this — 1) we are trying to determine Joy’s legal standing to get treatment; 2) we must have her see a specialist ASAP– this is being done tomorrow even if we don’t raise the money or have legal standing. 3) We have to take care of her medical needs and find a foster who can help her recover — assuming we can get to that point; and 4) we really do have to raise the money to help her future surgery because we do believe we will be in a situation where the law will consider Joy abandoned by her owners. Gina has been in contact with the Troopers and we know they are emotionally invested and will try to raise money. But, as I said, now is the time, if you can help, we need you. Thank you to all of our friends. Here is this sweet baby. Donations can be made through the link on this page under donations, our website 4paws1heart.org; or by mail p.o. box 84. st. clair shores, MI 48080. P.S. Joy spent a good part of today with Gina. Her feet were cold so Gina gave Joy her socks. Please pray for her. She (as well as so many) deserve better than being abandoned and thrown out like garbage. ~ diana

For all of our friends wondering about Joy. We will update everyone tonight with not only her health story but the rest of her story which had just complicated our ability to provide appropriate medical treatment. If there was any time you thought about donating to. 4 Paws 1 Heart, now is the time. Joy’s medical bill is already quite high and she will require more surgery as soon as we get the ok. More information will be forthcoming.  Here is Joy during those very few seconds when she is taken outside to pottie. ~ diana

5/16/17 – My heart breaks when I look in his eyes. He was once loved and probably the center of someone’s universe but his owner died and he was left to die afterwards. 9/16/14 Here’s the story from Lisa Taylor, Animal Control Officer, who rescued him from the vacant home. ~ diana

“He’s about 10. Half starved, very sweet – no, may more than half starved really. I’m afraid. He was left alone in a house for three weeks after the owners went to the hospital and died. I don’t think he got fed very much during that time, but there was dry cat food on some of the filthy carpeting so I feel like people might’ve just thrown food in there for him…or not. He has a large amount of loose skin on his underside and his spine is sticking way out on the top side.” ~ Lisa

Lisa is taking him to be examined this afternoon; paid for by 4p1h. This guy would be perfect in any home but if you have an elderly relative who would like a lot of love and gratitude in his/her life, this is the guy.

9/29/14 Marlo is now with our great friends at Ferndale Cat Shelter.  He is getting lots of love with his new foster and learning to trust again.  Because he went so long without proper nutrition, ha had had to visit the Emergency hospital a couple of times but we are all committed to making sure he has a much happier and healthier life. ~ diana

♡Joy Update♡ Unfortunately Joy was having a very bad day today:( She was very painful, and we think it’s because one of the fractures in her pelvis has shifted abnormally. We are waiting to hear from an orthopedic specialist who is going to review the x rays. Hopefully he can guide us in the next step as to the recommended procedure needed for Joy. Surgery is a strong possibility:( We will post as soon as we know more.. Even tho she was hurtin bad she was still sweet as ever giving kisses and trying to do lil tail waggs. We got her 3 chix sandwiches from Wendy’s during the ER shift and she LOVED it! She gets the last one for breakfast:) She was refusing her regular food earlier, so we had to try the good stuff!!..
I took some chix breast out of my freezer to cook for her tomorrow, and she might b up for some Walley’s custard tomorrow night! Gina

 (4 photos)

9/15/14 – 4 Paws 1 Heart has re-activated our Petfinder page to help all of the individual rescuers who reach out to us for help. As our long-time friends know, we are not only thankful for the great doctors who work with us and the great rescue groups, but even more important are the every day people who go above and beyond to save an animal. As long as our money lasts, we will do everything we can to help with spaying/neutering, vaccines, tests, and other medical needs just as long as the rescuer takes responsibility for finding a forever loving home. Here are two more sweet babies rescued from the dumpster two weeks ago. We think that Ashley is the 1 year old mother of the kittens and Smokey (the grey baby) is about 4 months old. Please contact Jo at [email protected] if you are interested in fostering or giving them a forever home. ~ diana

9/15/14 – Good Morning! Meet Cali – She was found under a porch with two siblings. Her siblings have been adopted but, alas, no one has taken this sweet 10 week old Deluth Calico. Please contact Jo at [email protected] ~ diana

Remember 4paws1heart baby squirrel that was brought into emergency after falling from a tree and being bitten by a small dog (on right)? Well, here he is thriving well and growing up (on left). His new foster mom named him Flirt. This is adorable and refreshing to here that my little friend is doing so well:) Gina. ♡

9/14/15 – Again, Prayers and Positive Energy Needed – Princess a 3- month old female Maltese was surrendered to 4paws1heart last night. She tested positive for “Parvo Virus”. She is not eating but she is bright and alert. We feel that she was brought in right away giving her a better chance. Huge thank you to the vet tech for calling us to help save this baby. ~ gina