6/29/21 – Hopefully, you will remember the case of Fire (Stevie), Wind (Dahlia), Taurus (Biscuit), and Aquarius (Velvet). They were found at 5-6 weeks old without a mom and our friend, Patricia, had a mom without any babies. So, it was the purrfect match.

Unfortunately, 3 of the 4 babies needed eye removals. Stevie needed both eyes removed, Dahlia needed her left eye removed, Biscuit needed his right eye removed, and Velvet only needed treatment.

Last week the three had their surgeries but unfortunately, shortly after, Stevie was found to have more issues. Here is Patricia’s report:

“6/28/21 – Stevie had been dealing with diarrhea which was being treated but he wasn’t doing any better. After his surgery last Friday, his belly seemed to swell and upon examining him, I discovered what appeared to be a large bump in his abdomen. On Sunday, I called Diana and Stevie was seen by a vet the first thing Monday morning. The doctor found that his small intestine had developed what she described as a “telescoping intestine”. So it pretty much stretches out and retracts on a regular basis. Without surgery, his chances of survival were slim to none. With surgery, which would involve removing part or all of his small intestine, he could live a. quality life but might continue to have loose stools.

The condition and potential surgery was discussed with Diana and I volunteered to do everything I could to raise money to help cover his surgery. I was committed to ensuring Stevie would have a loving home. Diana agreed and surgery was done today and he is now home! Basically his small intestine which normally is quite long, was retracted to only a small portion of its normal size. The doctor literally cut it in half and removed a long, portion of his small intestine. Because it was so retracted they actually have no idea how much they cut out of the middle. Right now the poor baby is out like a light and the doctor said he did well. It is going to be a long road ahead as it will take at least 6 months for his stitches to completely dissolve. A special diet and temporary meds will be required to help him heal. I have to isolate him for a few days so as to not injure where he got the stitches which was very extensive. His whole entire underside is one long incision. My poor baby looks pitiful. As for his future, right now it is going to be with me and only time will tell if he has any issues with diarrhea which is a strong possibility. Without 4 Paws 1 Heart Stevie would never have had a chance at life. He has already undergone eye removal for both of his eyes as they were already gone when I rescued him. This little dude has already been through hell. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Diana and 4 Paws 1 Heart, for being there for us.”

Again, one never knows when to say ‘no’ or ‘yes’ in these cases. But how can you not feel for these little souls who have no one but us. Please say a prayer for Stevie and his siblings who have been through a lot in their short lives. Without your love and support they would not have a second chance. God Bless the rescuer, our veterinary staffs, and our supporters. – diana

P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

This is Milo. Last week, I got this e-mail from Holly:

“I work for a construction company and a baby kitten hitched a ride from one of our job sites back to the yard. He is about 4-6 weeks his name his Milo, he is currently very, very sick. His eyes are swollen really bad and crusted shut, he is continuously sneezing, you can tell it’s very hard for him to breathe. When he was found his eyes has a crusted layer of dirt over them. I have been bottle feeding him that’s the only way he will eat. I got him eye solution and some medicine for his nose but I’m sure that’s not gonna see him all the way through to feeling better. – Holly”

We were able to get him into one of our partner vets almost immediately and Milo was given medication for an upper respiratory infection. Holly checked in today and reported that Milo has a little of his sense of smell back and did eat a little for the first time. It’s important to know that cats very much rely on their sense of smell for eating. That is another reason why it’s so important to address an upper respiratory infection asap. He is in good hands but Holly doesn’t think his eye is going to make it because it is bulging a little out of the socket. Milo will have a follow-up with our go-to doctor for eye issues/surgeries. Prayers for this very sweet baby. Here are photos of him when discovered and at the vet. – Diana

P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

This is an update on Ace and Gracie. Ace is a dog rescued from a very difficult situation who needed the usual vetting but he also had a skin issue which we continue to help with through today. He is doing great and is enjoying life both around here and up north. The other photo is Gracie. Another rescue by the same independent rescuer. And, another photo with Riley who she was rescued with (back). Today she is doing great. She’s even learned to play fetch and makes sure time is spent each day fetching little balls. 4paws1heart.org/donations/

P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

6/25/21 – These little beauties were rescued by another independent rescuer who we’ve assisted in the past. Meet mama, Panda, and her babies, Pudding, Peanut, and Pistachio. Their markings are amazing and after they get spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and tested complements of 4 Paws 1 Heart. If you are interested in giving any of them a furever home, please contact Melissa at: [email protected] – diana

P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080