8/30/21 – On August 24, I was contacted about 4 one-week old kittens found alone and put in a box in hopes a mom would show up. The mom didn’t show up after a few hours and the finder contacted us. Unfortunately, I knew there wasn’t much a vet could do with one week old kittens needing bottle feeding immediately, let alone would we have any success getting into a vet with any urgency during these overwhelming days. And, even with emergency hospitals, there are literally, hours-long waiting periods because of the shortage of emergency hospitals, staffs, and the rising number of animal injuries and illnesses. So, I called on a dear friend who has been in rescue for over 20 years. In the meantime, the finder had found a foster who picked up the 4 babies. With an hour, our friend contacted and immediately met with that person. Our friend took on 2 of the kittens and the ‘foster’ took in the other two. Our friend explained and provided supplies needed to bottle feed, take care of fleas, etc. and anything else which could be needed for the two kittens. Then the challenge began. I shortly heard back from my friend. Her babies were filled with maggots!! She had to pull them out of the babies’ vaginas, ears, almost every orifice that she could spot. Absolutely horrific. Then one died. The task became more than she had the supplies for and the remaining kitten went to another friend, experienced and supplied with what could be needed. Plus that friend had direct contact with one of our veterinary doctors. That baby had more maggot in the ears, the urethra, and the vagina and had severe infections in the bladder and ears. Then one of the babies with the other foster died all the while getting help from the other two women. The last baby was passed over to our most experienced friend. Again, more maggots, seizures, a head tilt and falling over and more infections. God willing these last two will survive and, at all times, our veterinary is on hand ready to do what is needed.

This has been one of the worst situations I have been involved with in 12 years and decided to only describe and NOT show what these poor babies were deluged with. Please, please continue to pray for these last two orphans and thank God, with me, that there are people like these three women and so many of our friends, rescuers, and vets who step up to go through the care that is needed as well as the loss that often occurs. – diana.

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

8/30/22 – A Miracle Update on Muffin. Please continue your prayers that Muffin has truly turned that corner and please remember that without your support and your donations and the love of people like Gina, our friend Bambi Pesti Hartter, and her friend who actually rescued Muffin we could not make this happen. But, just as the cost of living has gotten so insane for us humans, medical treatment has gone up just as much for our animals so anything you can to help means everything. Hopefully we will be having a fundraiser in November and I will keep you updated. – diana.

I woke up the morning after my last post about how sick she was and I and couldn’t believe my eyes!!! Muffins had no discharge from her nose! The 1st time in 7 weeks no crusted sealed shut nostrils caked with snot! I didn’t want to get my hopes up so I waited a few days. She’s still got nasal squeaks and congested sounds but she looks great! Once again, I’m a firm believer in my prayers being herd. It’s always when I’m beyond stressed, helpless feeling, and desperately in need of help with an animal that the Angel’s surrounding me make it happen.. Today this adorable Lama cat post arrived. It was a gift from Caroline and Muffins loves it. – Gina

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

8/29/22 – Along with the many serious cases we have taken on lately, we have also been assisting with many TNR projects. These orphans are being trapped on the east side of Detroit. In some cases the cats are adults but in many situations the cats being trapped are just kittens and are adoptable. Morgan C. has been doing an excellent job of getting these babies into All About Animals in Warren with our medical backing. Also, in an effort to help the independent rescuer, like Morgan, find furever homes, we offer a Petfinder site and a facebook page, Friends of 4 Paws 1 Heart. So, if you are ever looking for that special fur baby to take a place in your heart, check if out. Here are 12 of the cats/kittens recently helped. – diana.

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

Thanks for all you do, Diana! I have the kittens right now to the first momma cat in the photos – kristin

8/28/22 – These babies along with, literally, thousands of others had all of their medical covered by 4 paws 1 heart and the generous donors who support us. Checkbout the Kitty Room at the Pet Supplies Plus store on 13 and harper in St Clair Shores, MI. Coordinated by our Board member, madter trapper, and independent rescuer, Dee G. – diana.

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

Black Pearl and Jack Sparrow here saying hi!! We’re a bit shy but we are so sweet and kind. Come see us! -4P1H Village Kittyroom

8/26/22 – Meet Betty White. No, not the animal loving actress but a beautiful Silver Persian rescued from a very neglectful situation. She was kept locked up in laundry room because she was urinating “all over the house”. Betty is approximately 9 years old and was heavily matted with an upper respiratory infection and severe dental disease. Her rescuer was able to shave her and remove the matting that started at the top of her back all the way down to her back leg. She is very sweet and just wants to be included in any way she can. Her rescuer works from home so she has a cat bed on her desk where Betty White likes to just keep her company and lay around. She has already made friends with the rescuer’s 96 lb. Old English Sheep Dog and if it continues to work out, the rescue family wants to give her a furever home.

Unfortunately, the rescuer cannot afford the significant dental work which needs to be done and we were contacted for help. I’ve mentioned this earlier, but the past couple of months have been like no other in our 12 years. The medical costs far outweigh the donations, so anything you can do to help will make the difference in the lives of those who have no one else. Thank you! – diana.

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

Muffin update..This is not something that I wanted to post and until now I’ve avoided showing any pics of the discharge from her nose. Unfortunately, despite one week into the 4th antibiotic in 7 weeks straight, I woke up this morning to her nose looking like this. The breathing sounds in her sinuses and the yellow sticky nasal discharge have been constant since the day she was brought to me on July 5th. There have been some better days here and there, but nothing has eradicated whatever is causing this. With each new antibiotic and each new test result I’ve felt hopeful, relieved, and positive we were going to get her better. Most of the time and especially today I feel helpless, frustrated, exhausted, and sad seeing her go through this.

We have done bloodwork, viral testing, PCR test, nasal flush, cultures, eye meds, ear meds, nasal drops, x rays, nebulizing, etc etc.

She has gained weight, she is eating good, she’s playful and so so so very sweet.

I won’t post anymore graphic pics, but I wanted people to understand why your support is so needed and always appreciated.

I ask that everyone who has been following her story to please keep her in your prayers.

The next step is probably going to a specialist for more invasive diagnostics like endoscopy, CT, MRI. I’m not sure.. -Gina

Please help us by donating at: https://4paws1heart.org/donations/

P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

Update regarding the recent spate of dog deaths. – diana

4paws1heart.org/donations  P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

An update today from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural development confirms that the virus causing the illness in our area is indeed parvo virus despite the negative tests performed at the initial shelters and hospitals. This is more confirmation that our adult, healthy, and fully vaccinated dogs (dogs who have been vaccinated for DHPP) should have good immunity. Puppies less than 6 months of age and dogs who are not currently immunized will be the highest at risk. This is a good reminder to keep all our dogs vaccinated and protected. Remember that MANY dogs are treated all throughout the year with vomiting and diarrhea illnesses, and the bulk majority of these will NOT be parvo virus. Parvo will cause more severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Please always remember to contact us if your pet seems sick. – Orion Animal Hospital