We have had a couple of inquiries as to our legitimacy so I thought it would be worthwhile to respond in this open forum rather than private message. First let me say it is not rude or insulting to question the validity of any organization. We all work too hard for our money and no one wants to see their money used for something other than what we intend. As our page indicates, we are a 501c3 organization and we are incorporated with the State of Michigan. We have no salaries and everything you see is done for the love of the animals. Office supplies such as postage, paper, etc. are donated by my husband and I. I am proud to say that, with the exception of Gina’s phone bill, all of the dollars we collect go directly to the medical treatment (and sometimes food and litter) of the animals we help. 4 Paws 1 Heart is in its fifth year of helping dogs and cats (1 pygmy goat, miscellaneous birds,squirrels, and bunnies). From January 1, 2014 through September 15, 2014 we have paid $52,336 in medical bills; this does not include the $1,800+ we have recently spent on our baby, Joy. For those of you who may not remember how we started, the idea for 4 Paws 1 Heart was hatched when, through Gina’s experience at the emergency hospital, we realized that abandoned and stray injured animals had no one to give them a second chance at life. From the emergency, we branched out to helping rescue organizations with some of their medical needs with the hope they could help us with placement, and although we’ve always helped individual rescuers, this year many, many more good samaritans have come to us for help. Most of our funds are spent for abandoned animals in the tri-county area but we have been there to help sick and injured animals as far away as Mt. Pleasant and Oscoda. Because we are not a rescue and do not adopt out animals, our only sources of revenue are individual donations and fundraisers. Co-founding 4 Paws 1 Heart has been one of the greatest decisions of my life (next to marrying my husband, Tony). Although we all see such tragedy and some of the worst of humanity, we’ve also had the pleasure of meeting the most wonderful, caring people who devote their lives to those who must rely on us. Please never hesitate to ask us any questions about our organization. ~ diana