12/31/23 – As we end 2023, Bridgette reminds us of the difference the 4 paws 1 heart Village has made in the lives of so many animals. We wish our many supporters a very loving and prosperous 2024. – diana

Hi everybody, it’s me Bridgette! Mom’s Birthday Fundraiser is off to a great start and we’re so excited to try to beat last year’s total! I thought I would tell you my story so you can understand why 4 Paws 1 Heart is so dear to our hearts.

So it was 2015 mom got a call from a friend about a horrible hoarding situation. Moms friend thought I may be pregnant and could mom foster me and give me a safe place to have my babies. Of course mom said yes. Well, turns out I was just pleasingly plump .

But I did come with a host of other problems and was about 7yrs old then. Bad teeth, horrible earmites, extreme allergies and severe asthma. Mom thinks all were due to the horrible conditions I came from. I was lucky to get out alive (many of my friends did not )

There were many vet visits for all my ailments, especially my asthma. Lots of meds, lots of late nights and worry but 4 Paws 1 Heart was always, always there for me. I’m doing much better these days, my asthma is under control and although my allergies still pop up, it’s not near as bad becuse of all the good care I get at home and the great medical care I got early on when I was at my worst. Now, I’m part of Chances Gang (A Second Chance for Chance) and a treasured member of our family.

Mom says Im the sweetest, best door greeter, kitten wrangler and most precious little old lady she’s ever met! I love my life..please donate so others can live a long, happy, healthy life like me Thankyou for your generosity!

Denise’s birthday fundraiser for 4Paws1Heart

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

12/30/23 – On November 30 Kendall found 2 stray kittens, Hazel and Alice, (about 5 months old) in the Texas Roadhouse parking lot at 23 mile road, MI. She was able to capture them using a live trap, and then she set them up in her bathroom while she figured out the next steps. As so many who happen to come upon an animal in need,, Kendall and her husband weren’t planning on rescuing two kittens; they had just spent whatever money they had on home repairs. But, they couldn’t stand the thought of these very sweet animals trying to survive in the wild. Kendall and her husband decided to rescue them and make sure the kittens were in good health, vaccinated, and spayed and then try to find them a home. Kendall contacted several rescues/shelters without success and was advised that if they couldn’t find placement to just TNR them. But the couple just didn’t have the heart to put them back out in the freezing rain even if they were able to get them spayed. Kendall’s mom suggested that she contact 4 paws 1 heart which is what she did on December 4. Hazel and Alice were first taken into The Kitty Clinic to have a wellness exam, a fiv/felv test, and to get their distemper/rabies vaccines. One of the kittens has an eye infection and when that is cleared they will be spayed. Kendall reports that a friend may be adopting both — paws crossed. – diana

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

Complements of our Board Member, Dee G. Pet Supplies Plus, and the many rescuers who have made a difference in the lives of so many kitties and participate in the adoptions.

https://www.facebook.com/4P1HKittyRoom

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

Thank you, our sweet boy, Chance. (Second Chance For Chance). xox

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

Denise’s birthday fundraiser for 4Paws1Heart

12/28/23. – Disco was rescued after he had been attacked by a dog. He had two deep puncture wounds on his paw and couldn’t move his toes. His rescuer, Jordan, thought the paw was already infected. We were contacted on November 27 and Disco was able to seen the next day by Dr. Mina of Five Mile Animal Hospital. Disco was treated for the infections. Jordan reported on November 29 that Disco was recovering well and on December 13 he had his snap test, rabies/distemper vaccines, and neuter. Although Jordan has already recently rescued and rehomed two other orphan cats, we offered courtesy posts on our petfinder site and Friends of 4 Paws 1 Heart if needed. – diana

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

12/27/23 – We love hearing from those rescuers who contacted us for help. This is Meep’s story as told by his rescuer:

“Hello, I was told your organization may be able to help me by one of the shelters I had reached out to. I had a sweet orange boy with only one eye start living on my porch a couple weeks ago, but all the shelters I contacted were full… once the storm hit I didn’t have the heart to leave him outside so I brought him in and have been keeping him separated from my other cat for the time being. I will be taking him to All About Animals in Flint to get basic testing and vaccines done on Tuesday but I’m concerned there may be longer term dental issues (he has quite the snaggletooth protruding from his lower jaw) or other care that may not be in my budget at this time. He is an absolute sweetheart and as long as his testing comes back ok and introductions with my other cat go well I would be willing to consider this his forever home, I just want to make sure he is able to get whatever care he needs as quickly as possible. Thank you.

Here is a photo of the sweet boy, my son has decided to start calling him Meep -Dani”

Well, on Christmas Eve, Dani sent me the following update with photos:

“I saw you’ve been doing some end of year updates so I wanted to share one on Meep that you helped with at the very beginning of the year. After the exam, shots, and testing you helped with. I was told he was perfectly healthy, FIV/FLV negative, and the snaggle tooth I was worried had no problems so they saw no reason to do anything to it. He is now fat, happy, and regularly tries to “help” with Zoom calls when I work from home. He and my other cat Koko still aren’t the best of friends, but they have each established their own territory in the house and for the most part just stay out of each other’s way.

Happy Holidays and thank you again from our family!-Dani”

Who doesn’t love Christmas Miracles — Making a difference in the lives of many. It takes a Village! – diana

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

12/27/23 – A huge and sincere thank you to all of our many supporters who helped us reach our goal in the $2500 Christmas Match! Human and Animal lives are forever changed because of the generosity and love of ‘everyday’ people. And, it is this spirit of giving that binds us as a society. So—In keeping with Christmas Miracles — The Story of Molly.

It was the week before Christmas of 2022 when we were contacted about Molly. Julie K. adopted her from the Romulus, MI Animal Shelter. She quickly took Molly to a vet for vaccines and an exam and that’s when she learned the terrible news — Molly had Stage 3 heart worm. Julie had no idea when she adopted Molly that the animal shelter did not do any vetting before adopting out their animals. They could not help. Through a facebook network, Julie met our friend who owns Comfort’s Place in Westland, MI. Molly went through her 30 day pre-treatment. Three days prior to contacting us, Molly had her first injection.

It had been very hard on Molly the first 3 days. She seemed to get better but then Julie found her laying in her bed after losing her bowels and consciousness. She had an embolism.

She was immediately taken to an emergency vet where she spent the night. The final bill was high but Julie had already fallen in love with Molly and was able to cover the bill but that was the money she was going to use for the remaining veterinary needs which included two more injections, then follow up x rays, and finally spay.

Our friend, Deborah, of Comfort’s Place contacting me to see if we could help. She told me Molly’s story and that she was a very special dog and that she is much loved by Julie. We agreed to help. Julie told us “I appreciate any help that can be given to help her recover and make her well. She cannot be failed by humans again. I am trying to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Molly’s story didn’t end there. Yesterday, Julie got back to me to report that Molly was having her last heart worm test next month and should be ready for her spay surgery. She has been doing great throughout her many vet appointments and treatment. Although, Molly’s journey started one year ago, we will always keep our commitments — especially when it comes to spay and neuter. Approvals have been made to finalize Molly’s medical needs which started a year ago and we are confident that she will be loved for the rest of her life. – diana

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

12/25/23 – Merry Christmas from the Board of 4 Paws 1 Heart. Thank you to our many supporters, our Veterinary partners, and the amazing people who never turn their backs on an animal in need.

Here is a personal Christmas miracle from 11 years ago:

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

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

12/24/23 – Koa’s dad keeps in close touch with Courtney from Orion Animal hospital and, thankfully, he is doing great. We both can’t believe it’s been one year ago when Courtney contacted me about Koa needing help. Again, it takes a Village.

CONGRATULATIONS 4 Paws 1 Heart for being a top finalist of Bark-A-Bout’s “Wags-To-Wishes” PAWS IN NEED, 2021 Fundraiser! The Bark-A-Bout Team raised $7,000 to forward on to deserving pet rescues within our local community! Over 20+ touching “Letters to Santa Paws” were submitted, detailing triumphant stories where pets overcame incredible odds thanks to the help and support of a devoted pet rescue.

“Dixie”, submitted a detailed “Letter to Santa Paws” in hopes that Santa Paws would consider blessing “4 Paws 1 Heart” with some of the funds that the Bark-A-Bout Team has fundraised this winter.

Dixie’s story WON “4 Paws 1 Heart” $2,000 to help further their miracle-making mission! ***Read Dixie’s miraculous story, search “Dixie” in the top right search box. ***

Diana and Gina from ‘4 Paws 1 Heart’ detail Dixie’s story, and showcase the depth of love and consistent care that “4 Paws 1 Heart” bestows onto each pet, in true life-changing fashion.

Dixie, The Bark-A-Bout Team is so honored to pass along these life-saving funds, and help “4 Paws 1 Heart” continue making Christmas Miracles come true for pets in need this winter!

CONGRATS, Dixie and 4 Paws 1 Heart!

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

2/24/23 – In September, 2014, Dino (aka Sonic) was brought into the emergency hospital where Gina had been working. He had been attacked by a dog and was severely injured. He spent weeks in the hospital while Gina cared for him and then in December that year he was adopted by the daughter of a woman I used to babysit many years ago — her daughter, Elizabeth, would be Dino’s ‘mom’. Shortly after the adoption, Dino returned to the hospital for extensive oral surgery which we knew would have to happen. Look at what lots of love will do!

Dino is another Christmas Miracle complements of our amazing Village. – diana

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