12/20/14 – This sweet 12-14 week-old puppy, who still has his baby teeth, was seen being tossed out on the streets and was rescued by Friends of Scooby. He had a broken tooth and an abscess in his jaw and now may have the Parvo Virus. We are always happy to help our rescue friends with the medical bills that so often can be overwhelming. Please say a few prayers for Bricks. ~ diana

12/24/14 Update:  After four days of struggling and, at times worsening, Bricks now seems to be on the road to recovery.  Follow her story on the Friends of Scooby facebook page. ~ diana

12/18/14 – We have disappointing news about what we thought would be Katniss’ forever home. First let me say that the family chosen would have been the absolute perfect family who could give Katniss everything she would ever need. And, although Katniss and the other family pet got along very well during their two long visits (you can see that from the recently-posted photo), it became apparent that Katniss was not a good match for the 14 year old family pet and we could not put either dog in jeopardy. As we’ve said before, Katniss is very smart and is a great, sweet dog. But as with humans, the outside appearance is not always indicative of what is going on inside. There is no doubt that Katniss was abused and for how long, we don’t know. We do know that she was in that small carrier long enough to have impacted three discs in her spine. We do know that when she gets too much attention, she gets overwhelmed. And now we know that Katniss is definitely a dominant dog. This doesn’t mean she can’t have a playmate but it does mean that the playmate needs to hold her own. Remember, Katniss probably went her entire short life getting no attention or when she did, it was abusive. When she gets overwhelmed from too much stimulation, she growls and needs to get away from the stimulant. A human who understands the situation can react properly but an animal, especially one who can be dominated as in the case of this family’s dog, cannot. Katniss enjoyed playing with her and she wants to have a friend but when the playing got too rough and Katniss got overwhelmed, it put everyone in a position of being cautious and deciding that under the current make up of the household, we would be setting Katniss up to fail. The family is heartbroken, as are we. The man of the household was the first man Katniss ever seemed to trust totally — in fact the first time they met, she literally rolled on her back and let him rub her belly. So, once again, we are looking for that perfect home for our girl Katniss Everdeen. Gina will be going through all of the current applications again but we would be happy to take in more applications. Again, Katniss needs a loving home who can provide her with love, understanding, and discipline. The family should not have any young children or pets easily dominated or larger than Katniss; dogs who could pose a danger to her weakened spine. Katniss is absolutely on a journey and we know there is that special person/household who will join her on the next leg of her journey. Contact me at [email protected] if you would like an application.

12/17/14 – 
12/17/14 – Joy Update: Here is Joy recovering at home after her TPLO and luxating patella surgery on her back leg today. She is all snuggled in with her stuffed animal and blankie. Joy thanks all of her friends for their prayers and positive energy. Gina

p.s. – I forgot to mention that Joy’s foster parents begged us to adopt her and, of course, we said “YES”. Not only is the mom a veterinarian but both mom and dad have taken such good care of her, taking her for physical therapy to Dr Tari Kern, and conscientiously doing whatever else she needed. Of course, 4 Paws 1 Heart will continue to pay for her physical therapy and pain management treatment and the surgery for her other back leg as we have committed. We thank Dr. Kern of Pawsitive Steps Rehabilitation & Therapy for Pets for all of her help and generosity in treating Joy on her road to recovery, and, of course, her new mom and dad. ~ diana