12/6/21 – Artimus was found with two litter mates, Eva and Jamie, in July of this year. All of them were spayed and vaccinated but Artimus appeared to be blind in one eye. Though the summer and Fall Artimus continued to be treated for eye infections but he didn’t seem to be getting better. We arranged for Artimus to see another doctor for a second opinion and that doctor recommended that his blind eye be removed. The doctor was confident that if this was done he would no longer be in pain and have to deal with infections. The surgery was done this past Friday and today I received the following update from our friend and his rescuer, Patricia:
“Today was the day Artimus had his eye removal surgery. He did very good and he is now home relaxing on the couch next to me. Although he does have some discomfort for now, this surgery will prevent any further infections he had been dealing with. As he was already totally blind he won’t be missing anything and will be able to move on to a new life soon. He holds a special place in my heart especially after loosing our Stevie earlier this year. Thank you for being there for us. This is a bright spot in my life after a very tough year. On a funny note he was very agitated on the way home and he preferred listening to music over hearing my voice. I tried not to be offended lol. Being blind I am sure his hearing is so much more acute and the noise from the car and highway noise had him anxious. First pic was just before we left. Second after we returned home. Thank you for all you do for the abused, abandoned and sick and injured animals that would never otherwise have a second chance at life. – Patricia”
In addition to the before and after surgery photos, I am also posting the photos of Eva, Jamie, and Artimus when they were first rescued at about 6 weeks old. Thank you to our many supporters for helping us save lives. – diana
4paws1heart.org/donations/

Nearly 10 years ago this handsome guy came into our lives. Only weeks old but broken and abused; both back legs were broken by an evil owner upset because Herc got into the garbage. You can follow his journey on our website. Hercules is our canine mascot and he is loved by all who meet him. Much love and thanks go to Gina, another Board member Lori Jobak, and Herc’s mom (Dr Tari Kern) and dad (Chris Moceri). – diana4paws1heart.org/donations/

“A few weeks ago I was able to have a wonderful visit with Hercules. This boy is so so very special to my heart. His story began about 10 years ago when I was contacted by animal control after he was taken from an abusive home. I fostered him for several weeks and then he went to his forever family. This video is an incredible example of strength, love, and recovery that took place during his journey. Watch video with sound at link below.. https://youtu.be/eS6aJr6IN8wThank you Dr. Tari Kern and Chris Moceri for hosting dinner and for allowing me to spend quality time with Hercules. – Gina”

12/2/21 – He was found wandering on the streets with no hint of an owner. He was taken to a clinic for vaccines and neutering but was found to be positive for heart worm. He was infested with fleas which may have been the reason for him looking like he had mange. The clinic could not take care of the heart worm treatment and neutering and that is when we were contacted. The rescuer named him Shariff so that he would live up to his name, ‘protector’. We have made arrangements for Shariff to be treated for heart worm and afterward to be neutered. The rescuer believes he may have been used as a bait dog but from here on out he will have fur siblings and a loving home. God bless those who don’t turn their backs on animals in need.- diana

4paws1heart.org/donations/

Meet Cosmo and Celine. A very sweet woman came into the hospital after rescuing them. I couldn’t help but offer her help from 4 paws 1 heart. Dr. Henry, from Moore Veterinary Hospital gave them both a check up, first vaccines, and bloodwork yesterday. Here is their story as told by their rescuer:

“Cosmo & Cece were born in the beginning of October to a very feral (and young) mom who already had a litter of 4 kittens in June. (3 of the 4 unfortunately fell prey to hawks/traffic accidents). I have been feeding mom all summer, so it’s no wonder she decided to have her kittens under the bushes in front of my house! We had a TNR appt scheduled for her on July 28 and unfortunately she was nowhere to be found in the days leading up to her spay. (I imagine she was out getting pregnant again!).Towards the end of October when the weather began to drop into the 30s/40s and the kittens were about 3-4 weeks old, i noticed one morning that Mom moved her kittens but left one (Cece, black kitten) behind for several hours in the cold and rain. Having had lots of experience bottle feeding kittens, we scooped her up and fostered her in order to begin socializing her. Not even a week later, I was on my way to work downtown when I heard meowing coming from my car. I got to work, looked under the hood, didn’t see or hear anything, so I went about my work day. A couple of hours later, I returned to my car only to hear meowing again! After a few more minutes of searching under the hood, I found little Cosmo & plucked him out. He was very happy to be reunited with his sister! We spent the next couple of weeks trying to find where their mom stashed her other 2 kittens, but unfortunately have not seen them since the beginning of October despite their mom coming by for meals daily. (I can’t stress enough how important TNR is!) It’s been several weeks, Cosmo & Cece are now socialized & have been a wonderful (and fun!) addition to our home! As much as we’d like to keep them, we’ve got a house full of pets already and are excited to adopt them out to other families who are excited to enjoy their silly kitten antics!”

Here are two happy updates.

Thor was rescued about one week ago. He was very emaciated, drooling and urinating on himself. 4 Paws 1 Heart funded his exam with Dr. Zalac at Orion Animal Hospital. Blood work was done because the doctor was concerned with the possibility of FIP but we all prayed that the numbers were just the result of him being so sick. He was also treated for infection and a mouth ulcer which may have been affecting his eating. Thor is home and is doing well although he will be going for a followup visit and he may require dental work. Although he is only 2 years old, he had several dental issues. We will continue to be there for Thor.

Noel had surgery yesterday for a prolapsed rectum like I’ve never seen. Her surgery was also done by Dr. Zalac and today she is with her rescue recovering from the surgery which also included her being spayed. Noel is doing great. Understandably a little frightened and nervous but her rescuer will be working with her so she can find a furever family and will never have to fight the streets ever again.

11/29/21 – Prayers for this little one who will be having surgery for a prolapsed rectum. A friend of 4p1h had been trying for over two months to trap her as Noel wandered the streets with several inches of her rectum hanging from her body (notice in the two photos). Finally, on Friday, she was successful. In the 11 years of 4 paws 1 heart and funding treatment for prolapsed rectums, I’ve never seen anything so bad. Thank God for Kim Thompson and a friend who had been trying night and day to get Noel help and Dr. Zalac of Orion Animal Hospital who agreed to do the surgery today. Noel will also be spayed and vaccinated during the surgery. Without 4 paws 1 heart and our generous donors, animals like Noel would either end up dying on the streets or being humanely euthanized for lack of funding. – diana4paws1heart.org/donations/

11/27/21 – These beauties were discovered in a cat community under the care of a friend of 4p1h. At first they were going to be TNR’d but after being trapped, the finder found them all to be friendly so they were probably dropped off by someone. Stuart, Sophie, Oscar, and Albert will be tested, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered compliments of our generous donors. If you are interested in any of them, please contact: [email protected] – diana4paws1heart.org/donations/

“This little girl Franny was found 2 weeks ago hanging out in an abandoned building on the east side. I couldn’t get Rescue help right away so I took her on myself. I had her shots done and she was spayed. Now she’s getting this episode where she literally almost dies then comes right back to life. Today is my third vet visit. I have spent $1600 of my own trying to save her. (I do not have $ like this to spend.) She will faint, her gums go white, she becomes incoherent, blood pressure and temp drop…it’s so scary. I was at the ER last night and we didn’t think she was going to make it. She pulled through but had another episode today. She is now admitted at wilsons and has been diagnosed with Vasovagal. This is where something triggers a nerve and it shuts off all oxygen to her brain. I feel traumatized from watching this dog almost die twice now. I’m hoping to save her! I am getting a little bit of donations but the vet bill is up to $1865. I put $680 of my own money down but now I’m officially poor. Can you help?”

Tasha was also tagged in a posting Tasha did on fb. When I read this, I knew for sure this could be a costly undertaking, which quite frankly we could not afford for one animal, and I was also unsure whether Franny had any hope. Consequently, I sent the information to one of our most knowledgable doctors for her opinion. She agreed that a consultation with a cardiologist where a monitor could be placed on Franny for a couple of days would be the best next step. Depending on the results, Franny could actually be helped with medication. In that Tasha was able to get donations to assist with the Wilson’s bill, I offered to help with the cardiologist. Franny saw the cardiologist on Wednesday and was put on a monitor and her rescuer was advised to keep her calm over the next two days. Today she returns to the cardiologist for results. Please say a little prayer for this very sweet 2 year old. I will update when I hear from Tasha. – diana.4paws1heart.org/donations/

11/25/21 – The Board of 4 Paws 1 Heart wishes all of our friends a Thanksgiving filled with much love and thanks. Without our generous donors over 9,000 stray animals would not have been given a second chance at life over the past 11 years. It’s innocent souls like Snickers, Cheeto, Cobbler, and Colby Jack who were led to safety by their mom and taken in by someone who never turns her back. Everyone will be tested, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated and will never have to search for food and shelter on the dangerous streets. God’s Blessing to you and yours. – diana4paws1heart.org/donations/

11/24/21 – Meet Pirita (pirate in Spanish). A very kind man saved this beautiful young kitten who was going to be used in dog fighting. My heart truly breaks to think of the many stray kittens who are used as dog bait or as food for ‘pet’ snakes. The finder believes this baby was taken from her mother too early. The kitten is very sweet and the family has already fallen in love with her. Unfortunately, though, as you can see from the photo, there is something wrong with her eye and the family was concerned they couldn’t afford to help her. That is where your donations come in. Because of our amazing friends, Pirita will, first and foremost, have her eye examined and treated (hopefully it will not result in removal). She will also be tested, vaccinated, and spayed when appropriate. I will provide an update after the vet visit. – diana