01/01/18 – Happy New Year! What better way to start 2018 than by reporting a happy beginning for sweet, big boy, Michael. It was late November when Michael was rescued by a 4 Paws 1 Heart supporter who usually helps with dog rescues. And although she doesn’t have a lot of cat knowledge, she couldn’t turn her back from what was certainly a very sick cat who showed up at her mother’s house. Michael’s eye was nearly closed and he was totally infested with fleas. We authorized Michael to be seen at the veterinary clinic and a huge abscess was found under his eye. He also tested positive for FIV. He was later transferred to someone who was more familiar with cats and after a few hospital visits, Michael’s health finally began to improve and all signs of infection were gone. And, GUESS WHAT? Michael was tested again and he was found to be NEGATIVE for FIV and FeLV. So a lesson learned for all of our friends, if your cat is tested while diagnosed with an infection, you may want to retest once the infection is cleared. This very sweet boy was adopted this week end to a loving home and we are confident that he will spend the rest of his life with much love. ~ diana
Category Archives: Abuse
Simon – Rescued From the Street and Thrown Back Into the Cold and Snow – Unable to Walk
Simon – just a couple of weeks ago he was being thrown outside although his legs just drag behind him. He was being kept in a bedroom to protect him from the landlord. Today he is receiving so much love, it’s tiring him out. Happy New Year Eve – diana
Blizzard and Gizmo – Update
12/30/17 – 
It has been just over 1 week since I took home 2 Christmas miracles, “Gizmo” the puppy and “Blizzard” the kitten. They are both getting stronger every day while getting lots of kisses, food, warmth, and attention. Thank you all for the prayers and positive thoughts. My Angel is always helpful with the foster pups that I bring home. She provides comfort and security for these little orphan babies. I have some cute pics of her with the baby. Gina
Thank YOU to our Many Supporters
Although this is a posting from 4 years ago, the message and the sentiment still applies. It is only with the support of our friends can we continue to make a difference. May God bless our friends with a 2018 filled with much love, laughter, good health, and dog/kitty kisses. Check out the stories of these animals on our website and our Facebook notes.-diana
12/30/13 Before the hubbub of New Year’s Eve, we wanted to again thank all of our supporters who have helped us make a difference in so many lives. We also want to remind everyone that 4 Paws 1 Heart is a 501c3 charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. So, as we enter a new year of saving the abandoned and abused, we would just like to share with all of our friends a sentiment sent to us by our friend, Dinah Brinson, mom of our dearly departed, Ruby Faith. Dinah captured in words what is in our hearts. May 2014 be filled with many more lives saved because of the work we will do together! ~ diana
“May we realize that all we need we already have. May we cherish the friends and loved ones placed so reverently within our paths to love, appreciate, respect, and find humor and good grace with. May we stand up when there is a call to courage and be the voices for those who cannot save themselves. May we give thanks for our kind hearts, our good health, our sense of humor, our many gifts and the love we share. It is this blessing that I send you as we wrap up another year and begin anew. They sure seem to go faster and faster. Good tidings, our sweet friend, Diana. We are rich in many things. Of course, that’s what Mom used to tell us when what she really meant was, “You aren’t getting that new bike you wanted!” So we redefine what rich means, knowing that the true and lasting riches are those of the heart. God bless you and your family. Spend some well-deserved time refueling your generous spirit.” ~ Dinah Brandon”
Jolly – From “Alley Dog” to Loved Pet
12/30/17 – As we get close to the end of 2017, I want to remind everyone who wants to make a year-end donation to a worthy charitable organization, please consider 4 Paw 1 Heart. 99% of the dollars donated go directly to veterinarians for medical care of abandoned, stray, and abused animals. Jolly was a recent case. This was our first contact regarding Jolly: ~ diana
“Good morning Diana:
Thank you so much for talking to me just now. I’ve attached some photos of Jolly and my daughter, Samantha.
Jolly, second name is the Alley dog because the neighbors here in Southwest Detroit found Jolly in the alley since it was her territory. Another neighbor, owned Jolly but never really took care of her. She would roam the alley so she was such a fantastic jumper of fences. The neighbor never gave her any vaccinations. Three of the neighbors on my block volunteered to pay for her spay and finally after convincing Jolly’s owner she agreed. We tried to have her spayed in June but she was already pregnant. In July she had nine puppies from a male pitbull who also was in the backyard.
The neighbor finally agreed and on Monday she was spayed at All About Animals. All About Animals said that she had heart worm and a skin infection. I’m giving Jolly medicine for the skin infection. I want to know if I should also put on the flea medicine or maybe that’s too much for her during this time of recovery and even having heart worm.
Jolly is recovering well and is a happy dog. I currently have her at my house and have put in on her on a regular diet. It’s been a big change for her since she’s been used to being outside all the time and used to eating scraps that other neighbors fit her along the alley.
I very much appreciate any help you can give us and look forward to supporting you in your efforts to have healthy happy dogs. – Janet”
UPDATE: A surrender form was signed by the owner, Jolly will start heart worm treatment this week because heart worm medication has been back ordered for months. Janet went on to find a loving family for Jolly. She has also helped to find homes for Jolly’s puppies. This is Jolly’s first Christmas photo and the other photo is from when Jolly was first surrendered and rescued. Prayers that Jolly will soon be heart worm free. – diana
Pumpkin – RIP – Heartbroken That He Couldn’t Be Saved
12/24/17 – I’m sad to report that Pumpkin did not survive. He fought hard but it just wasn’t enough. Our sincere thanks to the loving people who tried saving him. Pumpkin is now in peace, no longer cold and hungry. On this Christmas Eve, please pray for all of the animals wandering the streets alone without shelter and food in the horrific winter cold and snow. RIP Sweet Pumpkin. ~ diana
Astraya – Abused and Neglected and Left Behind by Her Owner
12/19/17 – Astraya was left behind when her owner relapsed after years of sobriety and moved. She was severely neglected and although very sweet and loving, acts as if she may have been abused. She had severe mange-like symptoms and had a hole in her armpit from eating at it . There was also a sore on her neck that was so bad, she would yelp if anyone tried to go near it. Astraya would cry softly if anyone touched her poor neglected and abused body. Thankfully, we were contacted and Astraya was seen by one of our vets last week. Astraya was treated for what the doctor thinks was the result of a severe flea infestation and by the next day Astraya was feeling much better. She will have a follow-up visit on Wednesday. Astraya will be looking for her forever home once she is healthy and has had time to decompress and get some long overdue love. Anyone interested in Astray should e mail Sue at: [email protected] ~ diana
Simon – Unable to Use His Back Legs But He Kept Getting Thrown Outside
12/13/17 – Please don’t forget that all donations, up to $2,000, made between now and Christmas will be matched by our generous 4p1h supporter. It’s only with your support that can we continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.
This is Simon. This past Monday night during a blizzard and below freezing temperatures, I received the following message:
“My mothers roommate found a kitten a couple months ago on the side of the road. It’s back legs have not worked well and he has difficulty getting in the litter box. About a month ago her roommate threw the cat outside in the cold. My mom went out and brought it back inside and brought it into her room and started to care for it. Yesterday my mother was in a rush to get to work and when she locked her room’s door, she thought she had the cat inside the room. Apparently, he had gotten out of the room right before she locked her door. While my mom was at work her roommate said the kitten peed on the carpet and she threw the kitten outside in the cold for 3 hours before my cousin came by and was told what happened. He made them bring the cat in but all they did was put him in a carrier, and didn’t dry him off or warm him up. My mom was irate when she got home and a large argument ensued. They will no longer allow her to keep him as she is just renting a room in the home and her roommates father owns the home. Would you be able to take him, or know of any other organizations that could as she is afraid to bring it to the humane society as he’d most likely be put down. I don’t live with my mom and I gave her a ride to work today. That’s when she told me about the ordeal. She was going to have to take it to the humane society tomorrow so I figured i’d look around first for an organization that might take him as he is super super sweet and just sits in my moms lap and purrs most of the time. Thank you.”
Well, although I informed the son that we are not a rescue, I couldn’t turn my back. The thought of a kitten, unable to walk properly, being thrown out in the snow and cold was more than I could handle. I contacted our phenomenal rescue friend, Jo Addington, and, without missing a beat, she told me that if the cat could be transported, she would take in the kitten. Within a few hours, the kitten was saved and brought to Jo’s loving arms. Jo said that the kitten just wanted to lay on her lap and purred the entire time. He definitely may have a neurological issue because he does just drag his back legs although he works hard to use the litter box. Can you imagine a sweet kitten unable to easily move around being thrown out in the snow and cold???? As always, we are now committed to Simon and he will see a vet asap and we will take it from there and let all of you know what the doctor says. ~ diana
Michael – He Was Near Death When He Was Found
12/9/17 – Another life saved. Now to find him his forever home. – diana
“This is Michael. He was rescued after being dumped by his owners. He had a hugh abscess and eye infections when we found him, Thanks to 4 paws 1 heart he was vetted and is now very healthy. Michael is a very sweet layed back guy that loves to talk to you and he is looking for his forever home. Please share. He is located in Harrison township. [email protected]”
Lover – Found Emaciated, Flea Infested, and With an Upper Respiratory Infection
12/6/17 – Lover was rescued by our good friend, Amy B. As happens often with Amy, Lover found her. Lover was in pretty bad shape — emaciated, worms, fleas, and an upper respiratory infection. He is doing very well and if you are interested in giving this sweet boy a home, please contact Amy at: [email protected]