8/18/24 – Today we celebrate the 14th Anniversary of 4 Paws 1 Heart.

We are so very proud to have made the difference in thousands of stray animals’ lives. In the past I have reminded our supporters of how 4 Paws 1 Heart began but today I would like to share something more personal.

This past week my husband and I took in one of two cats very much loved by my 93 year old dad. Unfortunately, my dad is in hospice at home and for the past two weeks my time has been divided between my dad and 4 paws 1 heart. This is Maggie. We brought her to our home this past week and are trying to assure her that she will be safe and loved as she was with my dad. Last October we lost our Nunzio and did not rescue another because we had made a commitment to my dad that his babies would be safe with us should that time come.

Maggie was rescued by my dad when she was seen running around with a number of other strays at a home next door to us. My dad went over to the yard and scooped up this sweet baby and she then joined my parent’s family of two rescued cats. It was quite a surprise to all of us in that my dad was never “that person” and just tolerated my mom’s love for stray animals in need.

Well, she’s with us and we are giving her time before we take in dad’s second cat, Viva, adopted when Gina had her first term of employment at Moore Veterinary Hospital. All of our cats are about the same age and we are thankful to be in a position to take on my dad and mom’s babies now that my mom has passed and my dad is no longer able to care for them.

Thank you to our many supporters who help us make a difference in our many communities. When possible, please plan ahead when it comes to your parent’s pets. Please don’t be that person who contacts the rescues because “you have to get rid of your dead mother’s cats or your dad’s dog after he was put into a home”. I know that not everyone can do what we are doing, but if possible, please consider planning ahead for the inevitable.

Again, thank you to our Board members (current and past), the many rescues we’ve worked with, the good Samaritans who don’t turn their back on an animal in need, our veterinary partners, and especially, the generous animal lovers who make our mission a reality through their generous donations. –

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