11/3/21 – Remembering those pets, strays, and animal advocates who have crossed that Rainbow Bridge. Xena, was an outside neighborhood stray who was known to have several litters. Shortly after having one litter, she got pregnant again and had a litter of 8 kittens. A caring person, whose home Xena appeared to adopt, took in Xena and the babies. One baby needed to be bottle fed but the others seem to be ok. Two days before giving birth, Xena was seen limping and the caretakers thought her paw was broken. Poor little Xena was really struggling with her large litter and looked dejected and ready to give up hope. To make a long story short, the wonderful rescue couple took Xena into a hospital because she was just getting worse. It turned out that Xena had a severe infection with a high fever; her paw was not broken. During the course of two weeks, two of her babies ended up dying and one kitten went to a friend for bottle feeding. The family was again seen by a vet who suggested that two of the five kittens (Stubby and Tiger) be checked for potential neurological issues. Finally, we were able to get the entire family to Dr. Z from Orion Animal Hospital. Stubby and Tiger had blood work done and were to return for more blood work to determine if their issue (wobbly and head shaking) was caused by toxoplasmosis. Thankfully, mom tested negative for FIV/Felv. The bottom line is that Stubby and Tiger may be special needs kitties. 4 paws 1 heart will continue to cover the next couple of medical visits as well as Xena’s spay and vaccines.As of yesterday, the rescue family will be keeping one kitten, two more are already lined up for furever homes, and Stubby and Tiger will stay with the rescuer for another couple of weeks to determine if they will develop more. Xena will be spayed next week and returned to the outside in that Xena is chomping to be released. The family will continue to care for Xena.Here are photos when the babies were days old and some current ones. Again, with the financial help of our supporters, these orphans are able to get the help they need. Without the rescuers and 4 paws 1 heart, Xena would have continued to have babies and eventually all would suffer and die on the streets. Thank YOU to our supporters, our vets, and our rescuers! – Diana.4paws1heart.org/donationsP.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080+82,946People reached462EngagementsBoost post