9/13/14 – Good Morning! Joy Update:
September 13, 3:15 a.m.
“Just got home, We did emergency surgery on Joy. She was regurgitating because her intestines were not moving. Her stomach was full of food and fluid. We had to remove all of the contents and put her on IV motility drugs, fluids, antibiotics, pain meds, etc. She is in recovery at the hospital and she was waking up when I left at 3 a.m. Dr. Matt and Dr. Maria did awesome; we were all so happy that we made the right call. We found pieces of sponge material and the top of a small light bulb in her stomach. I will check on her when I get up”. ~ Gina
I will keep all of you informed. Thank YOU. ~ Diana
9/13/14 Joy Update: (3:44 p.m.) Joy is doing well at the hospital and is under great care. Gina has been checking on her regularly and will be checking up on her even though she is not working tonight. ~ diana
From Gina: “This is a picture of Joy on her back as we were preparing her for follow up x-rays. As you can see she has major bruising in her pelvis and rear leg. The rear leg is swollen from the top all the way down to the toes.
The other picture is of the midnight tech, Dawn, giving Joy some TLC as she was waking up from her surgery. At this time her medical needs for her pelvis and leg are secondary as we get her through last night’s operation. Thanks to all who have sent in donations for her care.” ~ Gina
9/12/14 One of our Board members was contacted about these two beauties found in a friend’s backyard. She decided to foster them if 4 Paws 1 Heart could take care of their medical needs including spaying and neutering. Of course we did and after a short period on Petfinder, they found their forever home (together!) with great people, who we happen to know very well. ~ diana
Last night (9/9/14) these two Michigan State Troopers responded to a call from a good Samaritan about a dog (pit bull mix) hit by a car. It was very dark, the dog was scared, lost, hurt, panicked, and severely injured. The good Samaritan waited for the officers to respond and when they did, the man said, “Please, you’re not going to shoot her are you?”. The officers told him they wouldn’t shoot her and they didn’t. Instead they immediately started trying to network to try and find her help.
At about 9:00 pm a call came into the Animal Urgent and Critical Care Center, an after-hours emergency veterinary, an officer was asking if we could help this “beautiful adult Pit Bull” that they witnessed struggling to walk after being hit by a car in high speed traffic on a highway. They described how she was trying to get up and walk but she just kept falling down over and over again.
The officer was told that “4 Paws 1 Heart” was willing to take on financial responsibility for whatever medical care she needed, and If an owner couldn’t be found, the officers were willing to help with placement.
When the officers arrived they came to the door asking for a stretcher to remove her from the back of their truck. We wheeled it outside and positioned it against the back of the police truck, but instead of going on the gurney, this sweet dog much preferred to be carried in the arms of Officer Casey. So, that is what he did — carried her in.
She was in shock and in pain but she was giving kisses and wagging her tail in tiny little bits.
We immediately took radiographs of her rear legs because she was having trouble walking especially on her right rear leg. We started her on IV fluids, pain medication, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and, as we tried to stabilize her, the troopers waited in the lobby for a brief prognosis. All I can say to that is “WOW”.
Here is the situation. She has a fracture in the center of her Tibia bone and she can hardly walk. Plus, she possibly has 3 fractures in her pelvis. We don’t have an owner, but we do have an extremely sweet dog in pain with really bad injuries. She needs an orthopedic specialist which could cost thousands. This girl does not have a mean bone in her body. We can not afford a $5,000 + surgery.
Tonight, 24 hours later (9/10/14)…
We have checked her for heart worm and she was negative. We did a full blood panel and it was ok with the exception of high liver enzymes from internal trauma. We have continued her on a constant IV drip of pain medication due her pelvic fractures and fractured rear leg. We have her on anti-nausea medication, antacid medication, anti-inflammatory medication, fluids, and antibiotics. We will continue to provide whatever she needs.
These officers deserve credit for having compassion. Their reaction to this individual situation was an example of what we expect and how a life, every life, should be treated without prejudice of breed. They treated this Pit Bull with compassion, care, and delicacy.
Way too often an officer will unknowingly shoot an injured dog because they don’t realize that they CAN be saved. They don’t try to find a way or understand that an injury isn’t a death sentence. Injuries can be treated in animals just like human injuries can be treated.
Animals have a huge tolerance for survival and should always be given that chance.
This beautiful girl whom we are calling “Joy” is an example of strength, beauty, and survival. If you would like to help us provide to her what she needs please donate today. ~ gina
9/11/14 – Meet 3 Years old Nosey (aka Ace) – His story is a long one and we were made privy to it by his initial rescuer. He is another beautiful animal, once again left behind but this time a very kind woman who had been taught the huge responsibility we have as humans to care for those who must rely on us. The rescuer couldn’t believe anyone would leave behind this very sweet boy who constantly sought out love but after weeks and weeks of trying to find his owner, none could be found. To make a very long story short, 4 Paws 1 Heart was contacted by the friend of a friend who saw the rescuer’s “help” posting (thank God for social media). One ‘friend’ offered to foster and the other ‘friend’ offered to pay for neutering, vaccinations, and vetting. After this was all done, everyone thought that Nosey could now move on to find a forever home who would never again leave him behind. But, unfortunately, it turned out Nosey had heart worms. That is when we decided to jump in to help. Nosey has had two heart worm treatments and is doing very well. We will keep everyone updated as to his progress. He does not need to see the doctor again until next month. ~ diana
9/11/14 – Our hearts are aching. Gina reported the following:
“Tonight (9/10) Bolo was in serious decline. His blood work went downhill and he became septic. He gave up the fight and I didn’t want to see him suffer so I euthanized him. It was really hard, actually f______ terrible, but it was the right thing to do. ” Gina
