Category Archives: Dogs/Puppies

Charlie – RIP – 10 Years Later

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4/14/21 – RIP Sweet Charlie – It was April, 2011 when Charlie first came into our lives at only 8 months old. He was found on a porch in a nearby City, obviously used as a bait dog and then discarded when he was no longer of use. He had severe infections all over his body and joints, bed sores, internal bleeding, and bronchitis. He was brought into the emergency where Gina worked at the time and after 4 1/2 hours of surgery and getting a transfusion from Gina’s, Angel, Charlie recovered and he was taken in by a rescue who offered to take him in. Charlie was adopted out and we all thought his life would change for the better but unfortunately, although he may have been loved for a short while, the adopted home turned out to be not the best. As described in the Mutts of Motown post I’ve shared, Charlie couldn’t catch a break. But I had no idea all of what went on until I read a post from the rescue advising that Charlie was to be euthanized at the shelter. I immediately contacted the rescue as I felt they were obligated to save Charlie but the rescue refused and that was the last time we ever had anything to do with that rescue. Then began the days of calling on everyone I knew (and that wasn’t much in those early days) in my attempt to save Charlie. Finally, it was Laura of Mutts of Motown who stepped up and together with her, the shelter Chief, and a few other friends who got Charlie out of death row and the horrible, frightening environment he had been experiencing. We can’t thank Laura enough for giving Charlie the love and respect he so much deserved. – diana
“Dogs leave pawprints on our hearts” – Unknowncharlie4:15:11 charlie4:15:11(1) charlieafterrescue6:5:13

Leptospirosis – Deadly

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4/12/21 – Important information from Gina regarding Leptospirosis. – diana
Gina DeLuca Jenio
April 11 at 10:05 PM  ·
Warning to all pet owners..
A local veterinary hospital has recently seen multiple cases of Leptospirosis which has prompted me to make this post. Bruno and Enzo are of those few and both dogs are receiving medical care.
All 3 positive dogs were vaccinated for Leptospirosis and still contracted the disease, but without the vaccine chances are their prognosis could have been much worse. If dogs are overdue for their annual vaccine they should be boostered for protection.
Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by a bacteria shed in the urine of rodents and wildlife. It can also be spread to humans. In Michigan, reported cases are increasing every year in Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland Counties.
The route of transmission is commonly from a dog coming into contact with the bacteria after drinking from outdoor water bowls, puddles, pool water, eating grass, having open cuts/sores, etc. Rats tend to be more populated in areas where there is dog feces, so it is important to always keep your yard clean.
Please talk to your veterinarian about protecting your pet and read up on the symptoms and signs associated with this very serious, time sensitive, disease.
According to Oakland Veterinary Referral Services and Emergency Hospital, about 75 % of cases are seen in unvaccinated puppies. Treatment and diagnostics can cost an average of $2,000 to over $6,000 for a sick dog.
I am posting a couple resources below.

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Lewis – Just a Puppy and Recently Adopted But Escaped

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4/5/21 – After a beautiful Easter Sunday, I thought I would start your week with an uplifting story. This is Lewis. A young puppy recently adopted by a very kind family.
Last week, our good friend and animal whisperer, Debra Berolatti, was returning from helping an elderly woman who had reached out to us for assistance in trapping and medical. She was driving by the Selfridge Air National Guard base and a nearby junkyard where she has seen and helped cats congregating there. As she was driving she saw what she thought was a large black cat, near a ditch, trying to get under the barb-wired fence. She put her flashers on and stopped and found the animal was actually a puppy. Traffic was stopped, Debra got a leash out of her car, and cautiously approached the beautiful puppy wearing a bandana, a collar, and tags. The puppy smelled of sewage but he rolled over on his back and Debra picked him up and put him in her car. She brought him to one of our partner veterinary hospitals, Patterson Veterinary Hospital. The staff found a microchip which enabled Lewis to be reunited with his tearful owner. The owner said she had been frantically looking for Lewis who had obviously snuck out during a delivery at a shop she worked at. The mom tried insisting that Debra take a reward for finding their new baby but Debra insisted a donation be made to 4 Paws 1 Heart so that others who have no loving owners could be saved. And that is what the mom did. She sent a beautiful letter and a very generous donation. – diana
“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face” – Bernard Williamslewis 4:5:21 lewis thank you 4:5:21

Moonpie – Found at an Abandoned Automotive Plant; Has Heart Worm

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4/1/21 – This is Moonpie who is just starting treatment for heart worm. Here is his backstory:
On February 26, 2021, Jayne, from Michigan Animal Crew received a call from a person who does outreach on the east side of Detroit and the Packard Plant. While she was filling the feeding stations, Moonpie slowly walked up to her, nearly collapsing. Moonpie was placed in a crate in the woman’s car and she just laid there. She was very lethargic and had a running nose and eyes. The person doing outreach contacted Jayne in hopes of getting him placement. Jayne took him in and suspected pneumonia. Moonpie was placed immediately with a foster and provided benadryl, a humidifier, and a warm bedded kennel. The foster kept a close eye on Moonpie . She was taken to an emergency hospital and diagnosed as having pneumonia and was also found to be heart worm positive. Moonpie had xrays, blood work, and was given 5 medications to take and was sent home. Moonpie was also diagnosed with a severe ear infection and paw infection. Fortunately, her prognosis is full recovery if all treatment is timely received. 4 Paws 1 Heart is covering Moonpie’s injections which began yesterday. – diana
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole Francemoonpie 3:14:21 moonpie w:jayne

Kira – Adopted

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3/30/21 – Another Happy Update. Kira’s owner had died and the family scheduled her to be euthanized. When the granddaughter found out she contacted a rescue who agreed to take her in. The rescue found that Kira had a tumor, needed teeth cleaning, and a general well check. They contacted us to help. Well, Kira had her surgery (see previous postings) and although it was a little tough going but she recovered. And now she has been adopted. Look at the difference between the now and earlier photos when she was first rescued. We Wish Kira many happy years with her new family. – diana
Your donations make a difference!kira 3:31:21 kira 3:30:21

Jose – Involved in a Dog Fight

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3/26/21 – Jose had been found rummaging through a large trash receptacle and has been in the care of a person who often comes across animals used in dogfights or discarded once overused for breeding. A couple of days ago Jose and another rescue were involved in a scuffle and Jose’s ears, jaw, and side of he face was severely injured. Jose was taken to our partner emergency hospital where all of his wounds were treated. Unfortunately, no matter how much care a human may take with an animal, situations like this can happen. There has been a significant discussion with the rescuer/foster in that this was an expensive medical bill which could have been avoided. Anyone who decides to rescue must eventually be prepared to pay medical expenses. But this once abused dog needed help and we chose to be there for him. – diana

Shelby – Undergoes Her Second Surgery – This Time for Entropian

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3/23/21 – Prayers for Shelby who will be having surgery this morning for entropion of the eye. You might remember Shelby from earlier this year. She was supposedly found on the streets and surrendered to a rescue we like to help. When she was rescued she had a severe blind eye and we covered her eye removal. At that time, we knew she might need another surgery to correct a condition whereby the eyelashes grow into the eye as opposed to outside. The condition is not only painful but will eventually result in blindness.
Without the support of our friends, these animals would have no recourse. They would live a life of pain or die suffering on the streets. If you can, please consider donating so that we never have to refuse a stray, abandoned, or abused animal in need. – diana
shelby 3:22:21

Posey – Needed a Liver Shunt

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3/17/21 – The background on Posey is that she is a 16 week old silky maltese weighing only 2.8 pounds. When Michigan Animal Crew (MAC) took her in she had lost half her weight, was having seizures and the doctors determined she needed a liver shunt to live. The rescue also noticed she could not see, was disoriented, had glassy eyes, and was bobbing her head (she did not have a seizure in their presence but must have had one just prior). Posey was at a long-existing pet store in Westland, MI when she was seen by another great rescue who only takes in larger dogs They contacted MAC to see if they could take on Posey. Posey was picked up on February 24, 2021 and they immediately scheduled a vet appointment to get a second opinion and to have Posey tested further. On Sunday, February 28, in the mid afternoon Posey had a seizure. Seizures for a dog this small are bad. Posey could not see, was disoriented, bobbing her head due to ‘water on the brain’ and was very upset/nervous. She was immediately brought to a new vet who specializes in this condition. Posey was admitted and 2 additional medications were given to her to stop the seizures and to regulate her glucose. Posey was placed on an iv catheter to keep her fluids up so she would not dehydrate. On March 2 Posey was picked up and taken to a experienced foster while Posey awaited her surgery which was confirmed necessary to live. The liver shunt is essentially repairing a piece of the tubing that goes in and then out of the liver so the liver functions correctly. the liver is the body’s filter and Posey could not regulate her sugars and toxins without it. Failure to perform the surgery Posey will die. Posey’s surgery was scheduled for March 9 and in the mean time Posey’s foster made sure that Posey ate every 8 hours and was given her medicines. Posey has her own “little village’ consisting of dog beds, a dog house, and a dog pen surrounding her ‘village’ and everything else she needs. She never goes outside. She hangs out in her pen with Lacy, a teacup chihuahua, who gives her comfort and keeps her calm. There is also a 160-pound Mastiff that lays next to the pen to assure Posey that she is safe.
On March 9, Posey had her surgery (at a considerable cost) and 4 Paws 1 Heart was thankful to help Michigan Animal Crew with the veterinary bill. Posey is doing good and is in good hands while she recovers. A huge thanks to Joanie from the Buster Foundation who discovered Posey and contact Jayne from Michigan Animal Crew and our donors who make this possible. – diana
Your Donations Save Lives!posey w:layne labuda posey w:jayne posey 3:4:21 posey after surgery 3:9:21

Kira – Her Owner Died and the Family Was Going to Euthanize Her

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3/9/21 – Kira’s owner died and the family made an appointment to euthanize her. When the granddaughter found out, she contacted Midland County Pit Stop who was able to take her in. The rescue had some other critical rescues at the time they took in Kira but were able to pay for her vetting but the doctor found that Kira’s teeth were very bad and she had a tumor that needed to be removed. The president of the rescue contacted us for help.
Kira had her surgery last Friday and we are thankful that because of our loyal supporters we were able to help Kira have a second chance at life. The tumor had been pulling at her skin and she was definitely in pain. Kira is doing well although she is still in recovery mode. Anyone interested in this very sweet girl should contact the rescue. – diana