Monthly Archives: January 2018

Thank YOU to our Many Supporters

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Although this is a posting from 4 years ago, the message and the sentiment still applies. It is only with the support of our friends can we continue to make a difference. May God bless our friends with a 2018 filled with much love, laughter, good health, and dog/kitty kisses. Check out the stories of these animals on our website and our Facebook notes.-diana

1483350_690933834272251_1590305165_n12/30/13 Before the hubbub of New Year’s Eve, we wanted to again thank all of our supporters who have helped us make a difference in so many lives. We also want to remind everyone that 4 Paws 1 Heart is a 501c3 charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. So, as we enter a new year of saving the abandoned and abused, we would just like to share with all of our friends a sentiment sent to us by our friend, Dinah Brinson, mom of our dearly departed, Ruby Faith. Dinah captured in words what is in our hearts. May 2014 be filled with many more lives saved because of the work we will do together! ~ diana

“May we realize that all we need we already have. May we cherish the friends and loved ones placed so reverently within our paths to love, appreciate, respect, and find humor and good grace with. May we stand up when there is a call to courage and be the voices for those who cannot save themselves. May we give thanks for our kind hearts, our good health, our sense of humor, our many gifts and the love we share. It is this blessing that I send you as we wrap up another year and begin anew. They sure seem to go faster and faster. Good tidings, our sweet friend, Diana. We are rich in many things. Of course, that’s what Mom used to tell us when what she really meant was, “You aren’t getting that new bike you wanted!” So we redefine what rich means, knowing that the true and lasting riches are those of the heart. God bless you and your family. Spend some well-deserved time refueling your generous spirit.” ~ Dinah Brandon”

Jolly – From “Alley Dog” to Loved Pet

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12/30/17 – As we get close to the end of 2017, I want to remind everyone who wants to make a year-end donation to a worthy charitable organization, please consider 4 Paw 1 Heart. 99% of the dollars donated go directly to veterinarians for medical care of abandoned, stray, and abused animals. Jolly was a recent case. This was our first contact regarding Jolly: ~ dianaJolly 12:28:17jolly 9:29:17

“Good morning Diana:
Thank you so much for talking to me just now. I’ve attached some photos of Jolly and my daughter, Samantha.
Jolly, second name is the Alley dog because the neighbors here in Southwest Detroit found Jolly in the alley since it was her territory. Another neighbor, owned Jolly but never really took care of her. She would roam the alley so she was such a fantastic jumper of fences. The neighbor never gave her any vaccinations. Three of the neighbors on my block volunteered to pay for her spay and finally after convincing Jolly’s owner she agreed. We tried to have her spayed in June but she was already pregnant. In July she had nine puppies from a male pitbull who also was in the backyard.
The neighbor finally agreed and on Monday she was spayed at All About Animals. All About Animals said that she had heart worm and a skin infection. I’m giving Jolly medicine for the skin infection. I want to know if I should also put on the flea medicine or maybe that’s too much for her during this time of recovery and even having heart worm.
Jolly is recovering well and is a happy dog. I currently have her at my house and have put in on her on a regular diet. It’s been a big change for her since she’s been used to being outside all the time and used to eating scraps that other neighbors fit her along the alley.
I very much appreciate any help you can give us and look forward to supporting you in your efforts to have healthy happy dogs. – Janet”

UPDATE: A surrender form was signed by the owner, Jolly will start heart worm treatment this week because heart worm medication has been back ordered for months. Janet went on to find a loving family for Jolly. She has also helped to find homes for Jolly’s puppies. This is Jolly’s first Christmas photo and the other photo is from when Jolly was first surrendered and rescued. Prayers that Jolly will soon be heart worm free. – diana

Norbie and Nolan and Others – Neutered, Returned and Others (Nolan and Norbie)Who Will Find a Forever Home

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12/29/17 – More beautiful cats who will not be searching for food and shelter because of caring rescuers, fosters, and 4 Paws 1 Heart. Anyone interested in these beauties should contact Cristen at: [email protected] ~ diana

“The 3 on top were TNRd . The 2 kittens on bottom are available for adoption through Tigerlily Cat Rescue 😻😻 Nolan and Norbie are both males, along with their sister Nova (not pictured). Thank you for helping us 4 Paws 1 Heart ❤ – Cristen”cats w:cristen jean 12:29:17

Cookie – Christmas Story

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12/28/17 – Although this was 5 years ago, I thought the story was again worthy of sharing during this Christmas season. ~ diana

“12/25/16 Christmas Story #2 – It was December 3, 2012 when we received a call about a dog standing on a rock in Lake St. Clair, the cold waves lapping over her.Because no authority could help, Tony climbed down the sea wall and rescued this wet and frozen little girl. My neighbor and I immediately took her to a nearby veterinary where 4 Paws 1 Heart covered her medical. Her body temperature was very low but fortunately, she had a microchip, and no other injuries. The owner was eventually contacted and we learned that Cookie had been missing for 5 days. We have no idea how this little dog got into the water in that the sea walls are quite high where she was found. Cookie was back with her mom by late that night.
Now — There was a Christmas twist to this tale. It turned out that Cookie’s owner actually lives next door to the house my grandparents lived before they died and she had been a tremendous help to my family in offering rides to the doctor and the grocery store. She always kept an eye on them. When I found out who Cookie’s owner was, I was convinced that my grandfather played a role in Cookie’s rescue. The next day we were having lunch at the Butter Run, St. Clair Shores. When my drink was brought to the table, it was in a vintage glass just like the ones my grandfather had given to me before he died. I think Grandpa was saying “Thank You” for saving Cookie for her mom, Alberta. Merry Christmas. ~ diana”15697279_1354318131267148_1768716208505150587_n15698280_1354318047933823_355135484423688299_n15621765_1354318504600444_3052779062206844091_n

Fundraising – Jacob Savoie “Rescuer of the Year”

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12/28/17 – So, as scheduled, Jacob Savoie and Family met Tony and I at the Macomb County Animal Control Shelter. Unfortunately, Chief Randazzo, who was to meet us and conduct the tour, was called out on an emergency rescue. Thankfully, Ryan stepped up to do the tour. As you can see, we presented Jacob, who raised $1,705 and hundreds of pounds of food which was donated to the Shelter and to 4 Paws 1 Heart for distribution to our rescue partners, with a certificate recognizing him as the 4 Paws 1 Heart “Rescuer of the Year”. Everyone toured the shelter, the young ladies, Brook, Emma, and Aly (Jacob is allergic) spent time playing with some kitties and then — Chief Randazzo returned before we left. There he was with the duck rescued from the freezing waters in Harrison Twp. This very traumatized duck had a fishing line around his legs and he was trapped in the ice. Between the County and Chesterfield Twp, this sweet animal was saved.

A huge thank you to Jacob and his wonderful family who collected so many cans/bottles, blankets, food, and toys. It’s not easy to turn in so many cans/bottles let alone collect them. I also want to thank the City and Township of Armada and the residents who came together to make a difference in the lives of so many animals. This was truly an effort of a family and their community and it could not have been a better Christmas Story (especially with the rescue duck). What we all learned in touring the shelter was to make sure you microchip your pets, a tag or license is not enough. Also, when you adopt an animal, understand that it is a commitment for life. So many of these animals were surrendered or found in horrible conditions. Municipal shelters are not equipped or funded to take on all of the animals ills of the world. They can’t clean up after us and we must all work together to be the caretakers for those sweet souls who God put on this earth. ~ dianajacob savoiechief randazzo with rescued duck and Jacob Chief Randazzo and Jacob 12:28:17macomb county shelter kitten room

4 Paws 1 Heart Calendar – 2018

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12/27/17 – Today Chief Randazzo of the Macomb County Animal Control Shelter will be giving a tour for the young man who collected bottles, cans, food, and supplies for 4 Paws 1 Heart and the animals we help. Jacob, his mom, and family will be presenting some food and supplies to the shelter and I will have the joy of meeting all of them.
Also, if you are interested in making a difference in the lives of abandoned animals, our calendars are now available. $10 of every calendar sold goes directly to the animals. The calendars are $15 each and if you would like me to mail you one, please add $3 for shipping. Payments can be made through paypal on the left of this page or by mail. If you would like more than one or two, we can make arrangements for delivery. It’s a great way to remind yourself of the many animals whose lives have been saved because of a community who cares.calendar 2018calendar back cover 2018

Blizzard – Found in a Garage in Below Freezing Temperatures

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12/26/17 – Continued prayers for the abandoned, stray, and abused forced to fend for themselves in these frigid temperatures. Gina was praying for all of the animals who are alone and prayed that she would be called on to save someone — well, God called on her to save two — a dog (Gizmo) and a frozen kitty. Here is the story of Blizzard.
“Blizzard is about 6 months old, and was found in a garage last Wednesday. He was nearly frozen to death. Chances are he became trapped inside the garage unable to access food or water. He was unresponsive and suffering from hypothermia and hypoglycemia. With aggressive care he has stabilized, but he is still very weak. There is nothing to him aside from an emaciated body. He is with me, receiving around-the-clock care consisting of keeping him warm, fed, and hydrated. Food is challenging for him because he is having a hard time swallowing plus he has a little bit of a cold. Small amounts of watered down canned food several times a day is helping. I am confident that he will be ok, but any longer in this condition and he would’ve died in the cold from starvation. Please say prayers for him to grow stronger every day. I will keep you posted. ~ Gina” ~ dianablizzard 12:22:17 blizzard -- 12:2217

Dino – Survived Several Surgeries – Mr. December 2018

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12/25/17 – dino w:liz adlamdino 12:2015Our 2018 calendar is available for $15; please add $3 if mailing is needed. This is Mr. December! Payment can be made through PayPal using the donate link on the left side of this page or by mail at PO Box 84, St. Clair Shores, Mi 48080 – diana

“12/25/16 – For those of our friends who celebrate the birth of Christ, we wish you a Blessed Christmas. On this morning I would like to share two happy beginnings. The first is Sonic (now known as Dino). It was in October, 2014 that Sonic was brought into the emergency after being attacked by a dog. Due to his many injuries, Sonic spent several weeks in the hospital, being fed through a tube, almost losing an eye, and later, experiencing, more surgery for his torn mouth. There were times we thought he wouldn’t make it but with Gina’s love and care and the professional staff at the emergency, Little Sonic came through and was adopted by a family who has been close to me for over 50 years. Here he was when he was first brought into the emergency and today, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Because of our supporters, we can make miracles like this happen. ~ diana”

Gizmo – Surrendered By His Owner

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12/25/17 – Merry Christmas to all of our loyal and caring supporters. Because of your generosity we have been able to make a difference in the lives of over 4,500 animals. This is Gizmo who was recently saved by our co-founder, Gina.
Gizmo is a 5 week old puppy who was surrendered to Gina.
Last Wednesday his owner found him barely alive because his blood glucose and his temperature were critically low. The owner made the unselfish decision to surrender him and give him a chance to receive the immediate and long-term care that she could not provide for him. He came from a home with 4 other puppies in the litter who are all thriving well. Unfortunately, he was the smallest one and we suspect that he wasn’t eating as often as he should’ve been.
He is now eating well and acting like a normal puppy. Every day he is getting stronger. This little Christmas miracle is so happy to be alive. He came in at 14 oz and yesterday he weighed 1 pound 1 oz. Please keep him in your prayers that he continues to thrive well. – Diana (p.s. I had the pleasure of meeting this tiny bundle the other day.)
Donations can be made by using the donate link on the left side of this page, on our website: 4paws1heart.org or by mail at P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.gizmo 12:23:17gizmo 12:22:17

Pumpkin – RIP – Heartbroken That He Couldn’t Be Saved

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12/24/17 – I’m sad to report that Pumpkin did not survive. He fought hard but it just wasn’t enough. Our sincere thanks to the loving people who tried saving him. Pumpkin is now in peace, no longer cold and hungry. On this Christmas Eve, please pray for all of the animals wandering the streets alone without shelter and food in the horrific winter cold and snow. RIP Sweet Pumpkin. ~ dianapumpkin===12:22:17