9/14/23 – On August 23 I received an e mail from Catherine, a volunteer for a great rescue–Pet Adoption Alternative of Warren. Catherine said that Peanut, at 10 weeks old, had been fighting for her life since she was brought into animal control on July 1. Unfortunately, the animal control was unable to deal with her medical issues (they also thought she was blind) and although PAAW was saddled with many severe medical cases they assisted Catherine in pulling Peanut from the city’s animal control. PAAW helped with transfusions at one veterinary hospital and Peanut was treated with medication for FIP but she appeared to be allergic to that and just was not getting better. Catherine contacted us to ask if we could cover a visit to Dr. Zalac at Orion Animal Hospital (although Cristin of PAAW was willing to once again use her own money to pay the vet). The visit was approved and Peanut was seen but I had not heard the results so I sent an e mail to Catherine asking about Peanut. Here is her response:

“Thank you for asking about Peanut. She gained her angel wings at home with Crisitin ( PAAW) just a few days after her visit at Orion Animal Hospital. Dr. Zalac was perplexed by her bloodwork and made her comfortable. We actually dropped Peanut off at MSU Vet Center for a necropsy. We are awaiting the final results of that. It is still a mystery, since we have had luck treating FIP before. She knew love in her short life, and her death will not be in vain, we can learn and save more kitties in the future.

So very appreciative of your support and kindness! – Catherine”

RIP SWEET PEANUT – diana

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

9/13/23 – In the middle of August Gimp was trapped and taken in for vaccines, spay, and exam of her leg in that she had been seen limping in a cat colony. During her visit, the doctor diagnosed Gimp’s leg as being broken. One of our friends, Liz, from Tigerlily Cat Rescue, took Gimp into her home and before Gimp could be taken to one of our doctors to re-examine the leg, she noticed a wound on the leg that appeared to be infected. The long story short is that gimp did not have a broken leg after all as confirmed by x-rays and her leg is healing and she is ready to be adopted. She would do well to have some cat buddies. Dr. Zalac at Orion Animal Hospital is the doctor who Gimp has been seeing and she confirmed that Gimp is ready for adoption but asked that 4 Paws 1 Heart commit to one more follow up exam of her leg if needed — which we will. Anyone interested in this sweet girl should contact Liz at: [email protected] – diana

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

9/14/23 – Tulip was said to have a broken leg but when she was seen by one of our partner doctors, she was found to have a wound that healed. Both were tested, vaccinated, spayed and neutered and hopefully go on to find permanent homes. – diana

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

9/13/23 – It was July 19 when we were first contacted about a community cat who had been taken to a clinic to be vaccinated and neutered but was also found to be in need for a full dental extraction. Jack’s finder made a September 5 appointment for the surgery after we agreed to cover it. Jack’s rescuer assured me that he already had a permanent home and he would never be outside again. On September 9, Jack’s rescuer contacted me to say that Jack was in a great deal of pain, not eating, not drinking. Before contacting us again, his amazing rescuer took him to a nearby hospital who wanted to admit him; his mouth was infected and had open wounds. The rescuer didn’t have the funds to admit him and again contacted me. We were able to get Jack into Orion Animal Hospital on this past Monday, September 9. The hospital called me to report that Dr. Zalac wanted to hold poor Jack for the next couple of days giving him fluids, trying to get food into him, until it could be determined what could be done. The prognosis seemed promising at the time. Today I received the following from very sweet Jack”

“My name is Jack. Some of my friends call me Orange Cat. I was taken to another facility to have my teeth cleaned and extractions. Unfortunately, it went very wrong. My friends at Orion Animal Hospital stepped in to help me get better. My mouth is completely infected and it caused an abscess under my chin. 4paws1heart saved me, by hospitalizing me and giving me all the love that I need. I am currently in line for a blood transfusion. Dr. Zalac and staff will be placing a feeding tube since I am not currently able to eat. Although I am having a rough time, I am so sweet and make sure I give all my girls cuddles at Orion Animal Hospital. I love scratches and pets all over. My vet bill is growing and I am in need of some financial help so that I can get better find a forever home. The staff says I am the best boy and they are going to do everything they can to help me heal. Thank you for reading my story and donations “

So, we are all in for Jack. His rescuer will give him love and care during his recovery (prayers needed) and she still says that Jack has a furever home lined up. These are very difficult decisions but much has been invested in this very sweet animal and this is no time to turn our backs. Here is Jack when he was rescued and today. – diana

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

It was 8/22/23 when Syrus was posted by a person asking for help for a ‘blind’ cat. It was unclear as to whether the cat had been recently found but the bottom line was that the poster had lost her home and didn’t have any money to help the cat. A mother and daughter team jumped into action and eventually got the cat and contacted us. Syrus was seen by Dr. Zalac at Orion Animal Hospital and it was hoped the eye could be saved. The journey began but unfortunately, last week I got the call that both eyes would need to be removed and that. Syrus was also positive for feline leukemia. It was a difficult decision based on the diagnosis but financial help was offered by Syrus’ savior and our amazing friend, Emily, offered to take in Syrus in that she has a spot for a feline leukemia kitty plus she is an expert with special needs animals. So the approval was given and Syrus will be given a chance to live a good life with much love and friendship. I will provide a follow up when available. – diana

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

9/13/23 – Only about a year old but she led a very abusive life and finally was left in a carrier behind a pet store. Ivy was pregnant and a kind woman who volunteered at the pet store took her in and contacted us. She asked for our help in having Ivy see a doctor to confirm her pregnancy and to make sure she was healthy. That was done with our great medical partners at Orion Animal Hospital. And, last night, I received the following e mail:

“Ivy had 4 sweet babies last night! All different. She is being the best momma to her new kittens and I am so grateful and excited to watch these little ones grow! Your help was paramount in this young cats’ health and the survival of her kittens. My heart is so full! Ivy is being a great mother and all the babies are clean, active, nursing, and vocal. I will keep you posted on their journey. – Erin”

I hope your day is starting with a heart as full as mine from reading this happy update. Here is Ivy and her babies now and when Ivy was abandoned. We have offered to help with medical for mom and the babies when needed. – diana

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

I went to visit sweet Snow yesterday and he is doing great! A friend and colleague of mine offered to watch him and take care of his daily wound care so that he doesn’t have to be in a cage all day at the hospital. The wound is 2/3 healed and he is in good spirits! If anyone would like to donate supplies for Snow please let me know! I ordered him a scratch pad, two toys, and a new litter box. He’s almost out of Food and litter, or if you want to donate any items, they are always appreciated for a medical foster who helps get them where they need to be. Thank you! Gina

[email protected]

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

9/12/23 – We’ve talked about the issues of cat overpopulation in mobile home parks over the past 13 years and unfortunately it just seems to be more worse now than ever. I’m sure there are many factors involved but spay/neuter of all pets is the number one answer. But, we also understand that with today’s cost of living and consumer prices, very often pet owners or those helping to rescue a cat cannot afford the pet care. That is why low cost clinics such as All About Animals Rescue, Humane Society of St. Clair, Comfort’s Place, and The Paws Clinic are so very important to our communities.

These little ones were about 4 weeks old when they were rescued from a ‘sweep’ at a mobile home park. We were contacted by one of the home owners who we’ve helped on several occasions with strays in her park and they were all snap tested, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and treated for fleas and parasites. Let me introduce you to Poosheisty, Ashley, Luna, and MooCow. They were all named by the rescuer’s son and his friends; she said that she is just the ‘belly rubber’. They are so adorable and anyone interested in adopting them should just e mail me at: [email protected] and I will put you in touch with the rescuer. – diana

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

9/12/23 – And more of the cat families rescued and medically assisted by 4 Paws 1 Heart. A pregnant Molly was rescued and had 3 kittens in the rescuer’s home; the finder found homes for those 3. Then another 3 kittens were dropped off at the finder’s home. Although a little unclear, Molly was tested, vaccinated, and spayed along with the kittens and today two of the kittens, Penelope and Midnight were adopted and also will be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. With so many cats and so many cases, I will be the first to admit that the order of things can be a little crazy but the bottom line is that none of these cats/kittens will ever birth another baby. – diana

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

9/12/23 – One of the lucky kittens from SW Detroit who found herself into a loving home–Poppy. – diana

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