7/11/16 – I was terrified this morning when my foster puppy “Ali” suddenly became very sick. He was showing signs of Parvo Virus (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargic, shaking, & not eating). Parvo has been on the rise BIG TIME and puppies his age are at HUGE risk because they have not been fully vaccinated. He is only 5 weeks old and not old enough to receive his first vaccine. I took him to the emergency in the wee hours and did some fluids, antibiotics, supportive care, and a parvo test. I took him home extremely worried but I had done everything I could for the night. When I woke a few hours later I was terrified not knowing what to expect OR what i might see. He was bouncing around his play pen, interested in food, and super playful! We are snuggled on the couch and my ♡ is so happy. Gina
Monthly Archives: July 2016
Donate to Save a Life – Odin with his Fur Brother
7/11/16 – As is typical for this time of year, donations have been very slow. I know that our friends are busy with summer activities and most people don’t realize that summer months can be brutal for stray and abandoned animals. In just the past couple of weeks we have spent over $10,000 in cases involving parvo, heart worm, broken legs, cancer, urinary blockages, — you name it, we’ve been there. This does not include the 30+ cats and kittens we have vetted and neutered/spayed. And this is just in 2 WEEKS. So, if you can, please consider making a donation to save a life. Donations can be made through paypal by clicking on the ‘donate’ button on this page or by mail at P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.
I want to share this updated photo of our Odin to show our donors how their dollars do make a difference. Odin was hit by a car and temporarily paralyzed. Gina fostered him for one year and then that perfect family came along. This boy hasn’t stopped smiling since his forever family fell in love with him.
Turbo – Found Running the Streets
7/10/16 – I received a call from one of the very small rescues we work with, Friends of Scooby. Of course we agreed to have this poor abused boy seen as soon as possible. Here is his rescuer’s message:
“This little boy was found running the streets of Flint. Covered in so many fleas that he was black in color and they were jumping off of him. Once given a flea bath it was discovered that he is actually gray and his tiny little body is covered in bite marks and scabs. After cleaning him up, feeding him and letting him rest for a day we noticed that his body didn’t present like a healthy dog. His belly looked bloated, his rear-end was swollen, and he had this unexplainable stench to him.
Thanks to you, Diana, and 4 Paws 1 Heart – this little boy got to see the vet this morning. We are now calling him Turbo. After they examined him, we now know that he is older than we originally thought and that there is definitely evidence of abuse. The vet says he was most likely used as a bait dog. He was probably starved and then fed, starved and then fed, repeatedly to make him mean. He also has excessive amounts of microorganisms on his skin from living in filth for so long – the vet said weekly baths will clear that up.
For as bad as he looks, his spirit isn’t completely broken. He gives kisses and let touch all over him today.
The vet wants to see him back in 3 weeks. To make sure the sores are closing up and the microorganisms are going away.
Thanks again
Megan”
Mia – Rescued from a Parking Lot, Finds Her Forever Home
7/9/16 – This is a great ‘beginning of the weekend’ story. A friend of 4 Paws 1 Heart, who we’ve helped with rescues in the past, contacted us about this small 6-7 month old kitten who approached her in a 7-11 parking lot. Fearing that the kitten would certainly be hit by a car, she took the kitten into her car and brought her home. Kimberly, knocked on doors hoping to find the owner but was unsuccessful. Unfortunately, Kimberly’s mom is very ill and allergic to cats so it was imperative that she find someone to take in the kitten. Kimberly contacted us and although we couldn’t help much with placement, we could get the kitten medically ready to be in a home. An appointment was set for Mia to be spayed, vaccinated, and tested at our one of our favorite veterinary clinics, Patterson Veterinary Hospital. And now comes the great news!!!! Dr. Zalac, one of the doctors we’ve worked with often, fell in love with Mia and decided to adopt her!! Dr. Zalac paid for all of the medical and took this little cutie home. Everyone is now doing just GREAT. ~ diana
Carlos – Out of Surgery and Home
7/7/16 – Chance’s update on sweet Carlos’ surgery.
“My sweet brother is home!!!!! Sooo, his stitches are on the inside so he doesn’t have to have them removed. He was very ummm…unhappy to wake up at the vets, but he’s very happy to be home. He’s still pretty groggy but ate a little dinner and is resting comfortably. He has liquid pain meds and mom will give him a dose around 10pm. Dr. Blasses will send his tumor out to check the edges and we will have those results next week. We are over the moon to have our brother home and we hope we will get to love him up for a long time, but we know its in Gods hands now. Personally, I believe in SuperHero powers, answered prayers, miracles and the power of love ❤ Thank you 4 Paws 1 Heart for giving my brother Carlos a Second Chance at his miracle, Love Always ❤ Chance”
Max – Wandering the Streets Dying of Parvo Virus
7/8/16 – Meet Max. A business owner rescued this stray puppy who was hanging around his business. No owner could be found so the rescuer took him in hoping to find a permanent home. One of his employees happened to be that person and almost immediately fell in love with him. It was one week after being rescued that Max was taken to a vet who vaccinated him. That night Max became deathly ill with vomiting and diarrhea. He was brought back to the vet for testing (although they never did a Parvo test) and observation for a few hours but then sent back home due to the holiday. No surprise, by Sunday, July 3, poor Max was in full blown Parvo mode and was taken to Wilson’s Veterinary where he was immediately put on medication for Parvo. Max is still in the hospital but our latest report is that he is improving. Please keep prayers going for this adorable boy.
Parvo has been absolutely horrible this year as many of you have seen by the number of dogs we’ve helped with treatment. Once again, I am thankful that we could help Max and this young couple who fell in love with Max and who reached out to us for help. I know that the entire family is praying for Max and trying to help in any way they can.
Carlos Undergoes Surgery for his Third Cancer Tumor
Please say a little prayer for our Carlos who will have surgery this morning for a cancerous tumor. Let’s pray that the doctor is able to get all or most of the cancerous cells. We love our sweet Carlos.
“Ahem! Ahem! Hello Team, Carlos here with tonight’s nitenite post. Tomorrows my big day, I’m going in for my surgery. I seriously hope I don’t have to wear that silly cone again. Mom feels bad becuse I will have to be on crate rest when I come home for a little while, but I know my mom…I’ll spend more time in her lap then in my crate 😉 I can’t have anything to eat or drink after midnight and Chance says in a show of solidarity and out of love for me, nobody is going to have anything to eat or drink after midnight that way I don’t have to be separated from everybody…that’s love I tell you. I’m very grateful for all the love from my family, 4 Paws 1 Heart and all of you and I’m going to do just great tomorrow! So, mom promised all of us something super yummy for a late night snack so have a great night everybody and I’ll see you all in the morning before I leave for the vet.
Love you all to the moon & back, Love Carlos”
Mr. Dibbles – Thrown Into A River to Drown
7/7/16 – Meet Mr. Dibbles. He was found while the rescuers were fishing by the river near the Port Crescent Park. He was soaked from head to foot and very tired; you could tell from swimming. The rescuers were close to a bridge and it was suspected that someone (subhumans) tried throwing him into the river.
We were contacted by his rescuers when they realized there was something seriously wrong with this handsome guy. It turned out that Mr. Dibbles had a life-threatening urinary blockage and his bladder was on the verge of exploding. Fortunately, the veterinarian performed surgery even though the rescuer could not commit to full payment and Mr. Dibbles is doing great today. The veterinarian believes he will fully recover and today he is enjoying life in a very loving family. 4 Paws 1 Heart was very happy to help Mr. Dibbles on his road to a new second chance in life.
Ali – Update
7/6/16/ – Update on our ALI!!!
He is doing absolutely wonderful and getting stronger every day. The wound from the reclining chair is almost completely healed. The 2 toes that he lost as a result (on his back right paw) are healing perfectly. I am beyond happy to report how well he is and what a little miracle he is! This little puppy is going to be a wonderful addition to someone’s family. He will be 5 weeks old this coming Sunday. I am taking applications at this time and will be reviewing potential owners. Please email me for more information if you are seriously interested. [email protected]
Mr. Pickles – Update After His Surgery
7/3/16 – You may remember that Magic (aka Mr. Pickles) was rescued when he was laying in the middle of the street, unable to walk. 4 Paws 1 Heart was contacted and we had him see the great doctors and staff at Hartrick Veterinary Clinic. It was determined that Mr. Pickles’ leg was broken and that surgery would have to be done. Surgery, which included the installation of a pin, was successful and Mr. Pickles is in his new home, loving life. Here is his new mom’s update:
“Hello I am just updating you on the kitten I have re named him Pickles ♡ Mr.Pickles is doing amazing he is eating and using his litter box and is walking. He cries whenever he is away from me and wants to sleep next to me. It is the sweetest thing
He is the sweetest cat I have ever seen I am so fortunate to have found him and an incredible rescue like 4 paws 1 heart. Thank you so much again. I promise he will have a happy loved life ♡♡♡ Caitlin”