12/27/23 – We love hearing from those rescuers who contacted us for help. This is Meep’s story as told by his rescuer:

“Hello, I was told your organization may be able to help me by one of the shelters I had reached out to. I had a sweet orange boy with only one eye start living on my porch a couple weeks ago, but all the shelters I contacted were full… once the storm hit I didn’t have the heart to leave him outside so I brought him in and have been keeping him separated from my other cat for the time being. I will be taking him to All About Animals in Flint to get basic testing and vaccines done on Tuesday but I’m concerned there may be longer term dental issues (he has quite the snaggletooth protruding from his lower jaw) or other care that may not be in my budget at this time. He is an absolute sweetheart and as long as his testing comes back ok and introductions with my other cat go well I would be willing to consider this his forever home, I just want to make sure he is able to get whatever care he needs as quickly as possible. Thank you.

Here is a photo of the sweet boy, my son has decided to start calling him Meep -Dani”

Well, on Christmas Eve, Dani sent me the following update with photos:

“I saw you’ve been doing some end of year updates so I wanted to share one on Meep that you helped with at the very beginning of the year. After the exam, shots, and testing you helped with. I was told he was perfectly healthy, FIV/FLV negative, and the snaggle tooth I was worried had no problems so they saw no reason to do anything to it. He is now fat, happy, and regularly tries to “help” with Zoom calls when I work from home. He and my other cat Koko still aren’t the best of friends, but they have each established their own territory in the house and for the most part just stay out of each other’s way.

Happy Holidays and thank you again from our family!-Dani”

Who doesn’t love Christmas Miracles — Making a difference in the lives of many. It takes a Village! – diana

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

12/27/23 – A huge and sincere thank you to all of our many supporters who helped us reach our goal in the $2500 Christmas Match! Human and Animal lives are forever changed because of the generosity and love of ‘everyday’ people. And, it is this spirit of giving that binds us as a society. So—In keeping with Christmas Miracles — The Story of Molly.

It was the week before Christmas of 2022 when we were contacted about Molly. Julie K. adopted her from the Romulus, MI Animal Shelter. She quickly took Molly to a vet for vaccines and an exam and that’s when she learned the terrible news — Molly had Stage 3 heart worm. Julie had no idea when she adopted Molly that the animal shelter did not do any vetting before adopting out their animals. They could not help. Through a facebook network, Julie met our friend who owns Comfort’s Place in Westland, MI. Molly went through her 30 day pre-treatment. Three days prior to contacting us, Molly had her first injection.

It had been very hard on Molly the first 3 days. She seemed to get better but then Julie found her laying in her bed after losing her bowels and consciousness. She had an embolism.

She was immediately taken to an emergency vet where she spent the night. The final bill was high but Julie had already fallen in love with Molly and was able to cover the bill but that was the money she was going to use for the remaining veterinary needs which included two more injections, then follow up x rays, and finally spay.

Our friend, Deborah, of Comfort’s Place contacting me to see if we could help. She told me Molly’s story and that she was a very special dog and that she is much loved by Julie. We agreed to help. Julie told us “I appreciate any help that can be given to help her recover and make her well. She cannot be failed by humans again. I am trying to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Molly’s story didn’t end there. Yesterday, Julie got back to me to report that Molly was having her last heart worm test next month and should be ready for her spay surgery. She has been doing great throughout her many vet appointments and treatment. Although, Molly’s journey started one year ago, we will always keep our commitments — especially when it comes to spay and neuter. Approvals have been made to finalize Molly’s medical needs which started a year ago and we are confident that she will be loved for the rest of her life. – diana

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

12/25/23 – Merry Christmas from the Board of 4 Paws 1 Heart. Thank you to our many supporters, our Veterinary partners, and the amazing people who never turn their backs on an animal in need.

Here is a personal Christmas miracle from 11 years ago:

12/25/16 Christmas Story #2 – It was December 3, 2012 when we received a call about a dog standing on a rock in Lake St. Clair, the cold waves lapping over her. Because no authority could help, Tony climbed down the sea wall and rescued this wet and frozen little girl. My neighbor and I immediately took her to a nearby veterinary where 4 Paws 1 Heart covered her medical. Her body temperature was very low but fortunately, she had a microchip, and no other injuries. The owner was eventually contacted and we learned that Cookie had been missing for 5 days. We have no idea how this little dog got into the water in that the sea walls are quite high where she was found. Cookie was back with her mom by late that night.

Now — There was a Christmas twist to this tale. It turned out that Cookie’s owner actually lives next door to the house my grandparents lived before they died and she had been a tremendous help to my family in offering rides to the doctor and the grocery store. She always kept an eye on them. When I found out who Cookie’s owner was, I was convinced that my grandfather played a role in Cookie’s rescue. The next day we were having lunch at the Butter Run, St. Clair Shores. When my drink was brought to the table, it was in a vintage glass just like the ones my grandfather had given to me before he died. I think Grandpa was saying “Thank You” for saving Cookie for her mom, Alberta. Merry Christmas. ~ diana

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

12/24/23 – Koa’s dad keeps in close touch with Courtney from Orion Animal hospital and, thankfully, he is doing great. We both can’t believe it’s been one year ago when Courtney contacted me about Koa needing help. Again, it takes a Village.

CONGRATULATIONS 4 Paws 1 Heart for being a top finalist of Bark-A-Bout’s “Wags-To-Wishes” PAWS IN NEED, 2021 Fundraiser! The Bark-A-Bout Team raised $7,000 to forward on to deserving pet rescues within our local community! Over 20+ touching “Letters to Santa Paws” were submitted, detailing triumphant stories where pets overcame incredible odds thanks to the help and support of a devoted pet rescue.

“Dixie”, submitted a detailed “Letter to Santa Paws” in hopes that Santa Paws would consider blessing “4 Paws 1 Heart” with some of the funds that the Bark-A-Bout Team has fundraised this winter.

Dixie’s story WON “4 Paws 1 Heart” $2,000 to help further their miracle-making mission! ***Read Dixie’s miraculous story, search “Dixie” in the top right search box. ***

Diana and Gina from ‘4 Paws 1 Heart’ detail Dixie’s story, and showcase the depth of love and consistent care that “4 Paws 1 Heart” bestows onto each pet, in true life-changing fashion.

Dixie, The Bark-A-Bout Team is so honored to pass along these life-saving funds, and help “4 Paws 1 Heart” continue making Christmas Miracles come true for pets in need this winter!

CONGRATS, Dixie and 4 Paws 1 Heart!

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

2/24/23 – In September, 2014, Dino (aka Sonic) was brought into the emergency hospital where Gina had been working. He had been attacked by a dog and was severely injured. He spent weeks in the hospital while Gina cared for him and then in December that year he was adopted by the daughter of a woman I used to babysit many years ago — her daughter, Elizabeth, would be Dino’s ‘mom’. Shortly after the adoption, Dino returned to the hospital for extensive oral surgery which we knew would have to happen. Look at what lots of love will do!

Dino is another Christmas Miracle complements of our amazing Village. – diana

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

12/22/23 – (See 12/21/23 posting). Journey is doing good after her entropion surgery. She allows her humans to put drops in her eye without a fuss and is starting to open her eye more. She will have a follow up appointment next Tuesday. Jezebel was spayed and is in good health. the organization, WAG, took in Jezebel where she was adopted. – diana

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

12/22/23 – With all of the Christmas Miracles we see, far too often we are faced with losing those we love during this time of the year. Sweet Momma Nose is one who crossed the Rainbow Bridge yesterday with the love of her caretakers for the past 18 years nearby. Momma Nose was known as the ‘Queen’ of the colony. Her caretakers took TNR classes many years ago and cared for a colony which finally no longer produced babies because of their hard work. They also helped other caretakers including one time when they had to ask for our help several years ago. This time it was Momma Nose.

She hurt her front left leg a few weeks ago, and limped for a few days and then got better. Then last week they noticed her limping with her back legs. 3 days ago, she stopped coming to eat, and just laid in one of the shelters. She got into the heated house in the garage, and was dragging a back leg. It was possible she had been hit by a car, or had injured herself jumping a fence. They closed off the exit and put in food, water, and a litter box. She started eating and drinking just a little but had problems with the litter box. Her loving caretakers knew Mama Nose needed help but being retired at a time when cost for medical services and everything else was so inflated, they couldn’t afford it. We were contacted.

We advised, Charlotte, Momma’s caretaker, that although we could not commit to covering surgery if needed, we could pay for an exam and x-rays at Orion Animal Hospital. The following day, December 21, Mama Nose was seen and x rays showed that her spine was fractured. At that time, it was decided to allow Momma Nose to cross. The following was sent to us by Charlotte:

“Dear Diana, I am sure that you are overwhelmed with people needing help with their ferals, and strays, and abandoned and abused animals. But thank you so much for helping us out with Momma Nose. Our finances are of course spread far too thin, and we were so upset with her suffering and straining to walk. Orion Animal Hospital, especially Courtney and Dr. Blasses could not have been more friendly, helpful, and understanding of our fears and sorrow. They were a blessing to us. Diana, you are truly an Angel in human form. Thank you again. 4Paws1Heart has helped us when we needed it most. We plan to bury her tomorrow next to her mother and our other ferals. We have a circular flower garden that has become a cat memorial garden. Thank you again,Charlotte”

The photo is when Momma Nose was under anesthesia so x rays could be taken. We can’t save them all but we can be there to end their pain. – diana

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

12/21/23 – This is TomTom and pretty girl. They were hanging out at an abandoned house; no one knows if they were left behind or just found an abandoned home. A kind gentleman, David, started feeding and reached out to our friend, Jo, who makes amazing cat shelters — he was using a cardboard box with straw. Jo built him two shelters and helped him get them set up. He doesn’t drive so she’s been doing what she could to help with food and shelter. Jo then found out that both cats appeared to have upper respiratory infections. Our other friend, Debra B., will take both cats for their first vet visit on January 3, 2024. In the mean time, they are now being treated for the infections and staying in Jo’s home while they recover. Afterward, Tom Tom will have his horrible matted fur shaved and both will be vaccinated and spayed. If the cats are adoptable, we will provide courtesy posts on Petfinder and our Friends of 4 Paws 1 Heart facebook page. – diana

It truly takes a Village!!

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

12/21/23 – On October 9 and 12, 2023 we posted the stories of Journey, Jezebel, Brownie, and Eddie, Eddie had a severe upper respiratory infection; Brownie, also appeared to have a severe upper respiratory infection but was found to have been shot in the head with a pellet gun which affected his eyes. Journey also appeared to have a severe upper respiratory infection which continued to be treated over the past couple of months. And, Jezebel was vomiting thick mucus.

Brownie recovered and was adopted into a wonderful home. Eddie is still struggling with his upper respiratory infection but the rescuers continue to be on top of it. Jezebel is doing much better and was tested, spayed, and vaccinated. And, finally, Journey, who had a few follow-up exams and treatment for her eye, ended up having entropion surgery on December 19 and I’ve asked his rescuer for an update when possible. I’ll keep everyone informed.

Again, this is how our supporters’ dollars are spent. Saving the lives of the many stray animals on our streets and helping those caring individuals and rescues who don’t turn their backs when an animal is in need. To merely say “Thank YOU” is never enough. – diana

$2500 Christmas Match continues.

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

Brownie, now Tonks, living her best life! – Gavin

12/20/23 – You can read Mocha’s journey on our posts of 10/10/23 and 11/22/23. She was rescued from the streets of Flint and rescued by an amazing family. We were asked to help with Mocha’s medical and thankfully at the beginning she tested negative for heart worm. And, then, on December 5, Mocha was finally spayed. Ronda and her family gave us an update and said that Mocha is doing great and getting lots of love from the family. Here are photos when she was first rescued, on her first trip to the doctor, then more recently from her visit at the clinic, after surgery and being loved and cared for by the family, and then with her collar so she can’t hurt herself. As an additional note, Mocha was found to have a hernia and that was repaired at the time of her spay surgery. Your donations mean so much to not only the orphans who are saved but to the amazing families who save them. – diana

Continue to Double Your Donations with our $2500 Christmas Match. Thank YOU.

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

Mocha is home! Spay and hernia repair procedures went well! A huge thanks to 4 Paws 1 Heart for helping with our beautiful girl! Y’all are amazing!! Mocha and a donut, looking like breakfast .. lol – Ronda