10/23/22 – The 4 Paws 1 Heart Family once again grieves with our co-founder and veterinary technician extraordinaire as she helps her Beanie cross the Rainbow Bridge. Every one of Gina’s pack were very special over the many years that she took in special medical cases and fosters until furever homes could be found. Beanie will be well protected and greeted when she gets to pet heaven. – diana

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

I remember like it was yesterday, but it was 19 years ago when a litter of 5 baby kittens was brought into the veterinary hospital. A landscaping company witnessed young kids getting ready to toss them into a swimming pool like trash.

They immediately brought them in, I bottle fed all of them and once ready to be adopted they went to homes. I decided to keep the tiniest one and named her Beanie.

She grew up as an only cat with 3 pitbulls and hundreds of fosters throughout the years. We’ve been through 5 moves and she’s been nothing but the best cat and the only cat I’ve ever owned.

Her 3 canine sisters have all passed and she is the last of my pack.

This past Monday night she went blind. I took her in for testing and she has hyperthyroidism and kidney disease which we’ve been managing for a few years. Her retinas are detached.

I’m not going to put her through surgery and I don’t want her to live out her final days unable to see, afraid, shoving pills down her throat, doing blood draws, or risking her falling down the stairs.

Beanie has been the boss of the house since the start. She’s been independent and free. It’s killing me to make yet another heartbreaking decision, but I cannot let her suffer. Tomorrow I plan to put her to rest at home where she is comfortable. I hope that you, Sugar, Lucy, and Angel give me a sign to let me know your ok and together again. – Gina

10/21/22 – T3, Rastus, Rasputin, were all rescued from the streets by caring individuals who needed our help to get them medically treated and then they could find furever homes. So many cats are left behind by their owners when they move or can no longer afford their care. And, there are many cats found on the streets after they have escaped from their homes but were never able to be reunited. Please make sure your pets have identification, microchipping is great, and are spayed/neutered. These 3 are lucky to be now with fosters or in furever homes unlike so many others. – diana.

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

10/21/22 – She started hanging around the house of a caring college student with a big heart but not a lot of money. Emilee, contacted and asked if we could cover Sally’s medical which she couldn’t afford. Emilee advised that her grandma had recently lost her 14 year old and would love to take in Sally. We said yes and now Sally is spayed/vaccinated/tested and here is Emilee’s update: – diana

Good morning, Diana, I just wanted to send an update on sweet Sally. She made it though her vet visit/ spay with a clean bill of health, which we are all really excited about, and is now safe and warm and getting acclimated in her new home. Sally’s “brother” -a stray we were able to pull from the streets and place with my Grandma last year- is very excited about his future playmate. She’s still got a little road ahead of her, getting to know her new family and home and routine, but she seems relieved and is getting in lots of R&R. Vet estimated her at about a year old, not sure what her life was like the 9 months before we met her but I’m glad she doesn’t have to be subjected to the elements and unknown any longer. Thank you for helping us make this possible and for all of the animals you change the lives of. Looking forward to the upcoming fundraiser! Best, Emilee

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

10/20/22 – Since August 18, 2010, 4 Paws 1 Heart has paid $1.6 million, to local veterinary clinics, in medical treatment for the stray and unwanted companion animals wandering the streets in our communities. We don’t have a staff and with the exception of website costs, all dollars donated go directly to the medical support of the animals we help. We have a Board of 10 people who all play a role in keeping this organization alive and in good standing with our government entities.

Yesterday, I learned that we again received TOP RATED status with Great NonProfits because of the appreciation are supporters have shared. If you want to see how your donations have made a difference, check it out: – diana

https://greatnonprofits.org/org/4-paws-1-heart

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

10/20/22 – I hope these posts allow our donors to see into the difference they make when they donate to 4 Paws 1 Heart. It may sound trite but it truly takes a village.

If an animal you rescued has been helped by 4 Paws 1 Heart, please take a few moments to share your story on https://greatnonprofits.org/org/4-paws-1-heart

Once again 4 Paws 1 Heart has been given a Top Rating by Great Nonprofits thanks to the comments made by many of the rescuers we have helped. Don’t be confused though by some referring to us as ‘four paws one heart’ We are 4 paws 1 heart. I’ll share some of the comments. Take a look at Great Nonprofits to see more of the stories. Diana

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

10/19/22 – This is a side profile picture of Muffins’ CT scan and a comparison of what normal looks like. The pink circle is around where the stricture is and the blue ink is outlining the congestion showing how it has no where to go. On the normal view, that area should be black.

I touch base with Dr Kustasz at OVRS weekly and they are still trying to find the Balloon Catheter for the dilation procedure. The plan is to insert a scope and pass the catheter through her nose. Then, they will inflate the balloon so that the surrounding tissue can be stretched allowing drainage. They won’t know the extent of the stricture until they have a camera inside of her nose.

Nasopharyngeal stenosis is very rare and they believe it is congenital. If we don’t do this procedure she will continue to have clogged infected sinuses, pressure and fluid in both ears, and constant drainage from her nose.

We are starting her on another special ordered antibiotic because there is a fowl odor in her mouth.

Once we find a small enough balloon catheter we can schedule her surgery. Please keep the prayers going because we definitely need them. Thank you

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

This is exactly what I told you I thought she had wrong with her on one of your other post. My cat Mia had the same thing. Dr. Becker from OVRS Vet was not comfortable doing it and they didn’t have the right catheter, he sent me to Dr. Beal at MSU and he did the procedure, it worked for a few days and then collapsed again. We then seen Dr. Stanley at MSU and she actually put a stent in her nose they had to split her palate and insert it that way, that stayed in for six weeks and she is good as new – Patty

I do remember you saying that. Dr Stanley did reconstructive surgery on a pup I fostered years ago. She was very good.. As far as I’ve heard she is no longer at MSU. I was given the option to go there, but I feel really comfortable with Dr Kustasz and the team at OVRS. We are all praying this will work the first try.  The challenge right now is finding a small enough balloon catheter. I’m so happy to hear your cat is doing well. -Gina

10/19/22 – Reggie came in through emergency as a stray 11 years ago. The doctors suspected she suffered trauma to her arm causing radial nerve damage. 4 paws 1 heart offered to cover her care which required amputation of the front leg. A friend and amazing veterinary technician Lindsey Bate offered to give Reggie a wonderful loving home. Reggie had also tested positive for FIV and her mom never gave up on her. Recently Reggie passed away peacefully. I wanted to share her story because it’s so important to rescue. They need us to be their voice and you change that animals life forever. – Gina

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

Please share and help Peanut. – diana.

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

This is Peanut that we need to find a home/rescue/shelter or sanctuary placement for asap by October 16th no later than 21st.

Peanut is 11 years young. She’s never been around dogs in her 11 years of life. Peanut is a bottle baby Tonya raised. With this post I’m asking for placement until we can find out if Tonya will be deemed to take care of herself in the end prior to asking for any cats to be returned if that’s the case before cats stay in placements permanently. There’s unknowns. Some GBS survivors have fully recovered after 6 months. With 1yr baseline. Some don’t fully recover. Tonya is getting stronger daily. But her fingers on dominant hand are still semi weak with grabbing things. And left leg is heavy like a weight (this is the leg that was fully paralyzed in the beginning).

We have until the 29th no later as of now. Apartment will be cleared out of all human belongings. – Erika

10/18/22 – This is Vet Tech Week and we have to recognize our very own licensed veterinary technician, Gina DeLuca Jenio. Gina and I met about 18 years ago (I can’t believe it) when she worked at Moore Veterinary Hospital. Through a series of events, we came into contact again when she worked at Animal Urgent Care and she became the inspiration and co-founder of 4 Paws 1 Heart. To say Gina is an amazing vet tech would be an understatement. She continues to learn every day, has a network of veterinary care experts like no other, and her love for animals has no boundaries. Gina’s love and care has been the savior for so many animals, either with the help of 4 Paws 1 Heart or just in how she performs the job of vet tech. Right now, she is the angel who watches over our Nunzio when he has to be seen and treated for his hyperthyroidism. I thought I would post Gina’s RIP (2020) for Joy who was brought into the emergency hospital a few years back and which I think says everything about Gina. This is a photo of the two of us when she brought Joy to our home after she was rescued. Angels are not only in heaven. – Diana.

“I recently became aware of some very sad news, and it is with a heavy heart that I am letting those who remember her know that Joy passed away.

About 5 years ago, Joy was rescued by 2 Michigan State Troopers who responded to a call where a stray dog had been hit by a car.

It was late at night and the very compassionate troopers took her to the Emergency where I had been working.

I offered to take her into my home while she recovered and 4 paws 1 heart, helped with funding medical for her extensive injuries.

I have fostered countless animals and loved them all, but Joy was incredibly special and close to my heart..

She fit into my home and into my pack, but I knew eventually her long term care required being with someone who had the ability to allow her to thrive.

The accident left her broken. She had multiple pelvic fractures, injured knees, internal bruising, and her pain was extremely hard to control even with even the strongest meds. She couldn’t walk without being in severe pain, and she cried often. At night I layered plastic underneath her and covered her feet with my socks, wrapped her body in a blanket, and held her all until the trembling stopped. I carried her to and from work every day, took her for CT scan, knee surgery, and physical therapy.

A couple months later, the time came to give her up and my chest burned.. Not everyone understands how hard it is to pour your heart into an animal that needs you so desperately, you get them better, and then you watch them leave with the next person… The person that you trust to take over where you left off..

Joy was given a very wonderful life that she deserved, but her health took a sudden turn for the worse.

I will never ever forget her..

Rest peacefully beautiful girl.

Gina”

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

10/18/22 – We all love happy updates so here is Leiomy. In late June, 2022 she was found on the side of the Lodge freeway by a very caring daughter and mom. At the time they thought that Leiomy was healthy and just asked if we could help with the ‘usual’ vetting — vaccines, testing, and spay. But, unfortunately, Leiomy was found to have heart worm. Had these wonderful ladies not rescued her, she would have died a horrible death on the streets. So, Leiomy became one of the prior commitments I talked about during our $2,000 Sweetest Day Match. Leiomy was started on her 30-day regiment and at the end of that began her injections. Here is her rescuer’s update after the second injection:

“I wanted to send you a few updated pics of Leiomy. She’s doing great after her last 2 heart worm shots earlier this month. She’s a very affectionate and intelligent dog and is so grateful for your help in getting her safe and off of the streets. – Brooke”

A huge thanks to not only Brooke and her mom, but also to Comforts Place who also reported as to how sweet disposition of Leiomy, and our village of supporters. – diana.

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