6/25/23 – And, to end this weekend’s posts — I want to recognize our Snickers who recently passed away. Many of our long-time supporters will remember Snickers and how he was rescued by a young boy who found him as a little kitten in a frozen puddle in an. alley in Hamtramck, MI. Several animal advocates came together that night to rescue him and Snickers eventually found his furever home with our amazing Board member, Dee, and her husband, Rick. Snickers lived a good life with many siblings and I often had the chance to meet him over the years. He loved to lay on your shoulders. And I remember when, early on, after being seen at the eye doctor and getting to our house, he crawled up on my shoulders with that huge collar on. Snickers was loved by everyone who met him. Unfortunately, though, his medical condition eventually ended in him dying too soon. But we all find peace in knowing that over the years and even with his many medical visits he lived like the king of his castle and we will be forever grateful that he was a part of all of our lives. – diana

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

Thank you for posting this… he was our boy…we loved him and still do so much. I just couldn’t get through typing anything….or in this case reading anything. – Dee

6/25/23 – This past weekend has not been a happy one. Two amazing cats have crossed the rainbow bridge — one sweet baby who I personally had the pleasure of knowing from the beginning and the other, a cat I never met but who was rescued when she found him in need of help.

This is Shaggy. He showed up in the alley outside the rescuer’s place on Thursday and his rescuers said that he truly looked near death. They gave him food and water and he ate and drank; the next morning he was in the same spot. His fur was very matted – inches thick in some areas – and hard as rocks.The finder said that she couldn’t feel his body at all because it was so bad. He allowed her to pick him up and bring him inside. He walked a little but was very unsteady. But with all of that, he did seem to be a fighter and he perked up significantly once he ate and drank and had some attention. But, he still needed to be seen asap and we were contacted.

Shaggy was taken in on the next day and the clinic asked that he be kept over night On the next day (Friday), the clinic called to inform me that Shaggy had been put under for the shaving and he was found covered with maggots which actually burrowed into his body. The maggots were removed and medication was given to this poor cat and the doctor asked that he be kept through the weekend — they had hoped to ‘fatten’ him up before being sent home. Later, I was called and informed that Shaggy did not make it through the night.

Even though I rarely meet the animals we help, a piece of your heart always breaks away thinking about the suffering they went through. Thank God for his rescuer, Melanie, who tried to save this innocent animal. I know that she is heartbroken but we are all thankful that Shaggy did not die on the street left to suffer and continue as prey. RIP Shaggy. You were loved. – diana

Double Your Donations today and make a difference in the lives of abandoned and abused animals like Shaggy. Thank YOU.

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

6/24/23 – Annabelle Update (post 6/23/23) per rescuer:

“Both Annabelle and Dog were found positive for heart worm. Until the infection and swelling reduces nothing can be done for the heart worm. There is no fever but there is a double fracture in her mouth on each side of canine. That also has to wait as well as casting in that the swelling and infection in her leg needs to be under control. She will bear some weight on a foot which was in question because the radius bone isn’t broken. But, again, the small ulna is broken. She’s eating soaked food with broth and is the sweetest girl. The doctors at West Flint Animal Hospital all came out for her. Bless these poor little souls. Im so thankful for what you do. It comes from my heart – Theresa”

And, our update — We have committed to treating both Annabelle (when ready) and Dog for their heart worm. And, we all want to get Dog started asap as he has adult heart worms. We have not committed to everything needed for Annablle in that her care will possibly be quite extensive if surgeries will be required. We will be able to help with some future follow up appointments for the infections. This will all be a work in progress for the rescue team and the Village! Please continue your prayers for all of these animals and thank you in advance for your donations! – diana

1776 July 4th MATCH Campaign continues through July 4. Donations totaling up to $1,776 will be matched.

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

6/23/23 – Much more new cases than I usually will post but there are updates also. First Annabelle. Unfortunately, because of the situation, the rescuers working on this home where deceased people were found and many animals were loose for days, the dogs were placed in separate areas while police took care of their appropriate procedures. Annabelle was placed in a fenced in area until she could be seen the following day at All About Animals Rescue (AAAR) (see my previous post). But, a dog successfully climbed the fence and attacked Annabelle. The appointment at AAAR which was used for another dog (story later) because AAAR could not take care of the severe wounds incurred by poor, sweet Annabelle. At West Flint Animal Hospital Annabelle was found to have a broken ulna, several wounds, and appears to have tested positive for heart worm (still checking with the rescuer). At this time, I’m trying to get a handle on the needs of Annabelle and the other dog named Dog who was taken into AAAR and found to be heart worm positive. To say the least, this is a very sad and confused story. I will continue to update but for now here is Annabelle after her attack and Dog. We will do what we can afford to help!

And, I know I’ve said this a million times, but only your donations can make a difference in the lives of these abused and ‘left behind’ animals. – diana

1776 4th of July Matching Campaign is ON NOW.

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

6/23/23 – He was found at a Walmart in Clio, MI, crying and crying, very thin and dirty, wandering around the building. His rescuer, Bridget, couldn’t help but pick him up and take him home with her. She thought he had been in a home but dumped when he started maturing. Bridget tried to find rescues who could take him in but without success. She contacted us in desperation because her son is allergic and Max was crying and marking all over. Although Bridget’s mom could take in the cat, she couldn’t keep him under those conditions. We offered to cover medical. That was done and now sweet Max is with Bridget’s mom and we are praying he will have his furever home. One thing for sure, he will not be involved in making any babies. – diana

Today through July 4— 1776 July 4th Matching Campaign when donations totaling $1,776 will be matched?

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

6/22/23 – Great news from Koa’s foster mom, Courtney:

“From Rags to Riches, Koa officially has been ADOPTED! I can’t thank everyone enough that has supported us on his journey. We watched him transform from a neglected pup that was found homeless in Detroit, into an amazing companion! A huge thank you to 4 Paws 1 Heart for sponsoring this kind soul and bringing him into my life. Natalie Zalac , for your continued support and all that you did for him. My work Family for keeping me sane . To everyone that donated and sent him gifts, thank you! He took a piece of my heart with him today, but I know this is what it’s all about ! Thank you to Joseph E Bernier for opening your heart and home to my sweet, Koa. This is what rescue is all about ! WE SAVED ANOTHER LIFE!

CONGRATULATIONS KOA”

The 1776 4th of July Match will help us to continue to save lives like Koa’s. He was very neglected and abused before being rescued, went through heart worm treatment, and had teeth extracted. — not to mention neuter, vaccines, etc. But now, he is on his way to a new life with a person who will give him the love and care he deserves. Thank you to our many supporters for considering a donation today. – diana

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

It is with tears and a heavy heart that I post the passing of sweet Katniss. In October of 2014 I was working emergency when the call came in about a pup crammed in a tiny cage and left on the curb as trash. I told the good samaritan where we were located and I met her outside not knowing what condition this pup would be in. It was late, cold, raining, and I remember feeling the flood of emotions when the cage was handed over to me. I got her out and had to hold her up because she couldn’t even stand. It took days to regain strength just to move.

She was terrified, starved, and in critical condition. Plus, she had a towel in her stomach which required surgery.

I had her signed over to me and that’s how her journey began..

Her story is on our Facebook page, but for now I want to honor her beautiful life. Katniss went to a home where she was loved beyond words. She had a really good friend and sister named Zorah. Her yard was like a small park and she loved treats and walks with her mama. Over the years Katniss thrived. To see her go from the depth of darkness and cruelty to a glowing beauty with an incredible smile made my heart happy. She was loyal to her mom and sister. I was fortunate to keep in touch over the years and recently when her mom told me she was sick Dave and I went to visit. We spent quality time together with treats and toys. She remembered us. I don’t think they forget.

The hardest part is when they have to go.. I will remember her forever and always. She is a piece of my forever.

Please keep her mama in your prayers during this extremely difficult time.. Rochelle Dee thank you for giving Katniss the best home ever.

Rest Peacefully beautiful girl.. You will be missed. Gina

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

6/21/23 – Coco is a female stray cat that had been ‘tnr’d’. Last week she had been missing for 3 days and finally when she was found by her caretaker she had blood on her back and wounds on her body. The caretaker also noticed that her leg was ‘twisted’. The caretaker raced home to get a cage and raced back but when she returned Coco was gone. The caretaker, Brittney, spent the night looking again for her and finally the next morning Brittney’s daughter was able to find her and get her safely in a cage. Coco couldn’t walk on her leg and that’s when we were contacted.

One of our partner veterinarians saw Coco two days ago and the x rays showed several bones shattered from what appeared to be bb’s. Once again, an innocent animal was used as target practice by cruel people The doctor recommended amputation and now Coco is scheduled for surgery tomorrow with our good friends at Comfort’s Place in Westland. Please remember this sweet girl in your prayers. Brittney has assured me that Coco will not be a ‘stray’ cat any longer and will be kept in her home.

Again, without our supporters, these orphans could not be given a second chance. Please remember our 1776 4th of July campaign where $1,776 in donations made between now and July 4 will be matched by a generous “Honorary Auntie” of our Feline Mascot, Chance. Thank you in advance. – diana

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

6/20/23 – Annabelle was rescued from a house where everyone in the home was found dead from what appeared to be drug overdoses. There were several dogs and cats. The rescuer was able to find placement and vetting for the cats although some were found dead. Two of the dogs had been spayed/neutered and vaccinated and placement was found but there are still 4 more in addition to Annabelle who will be needing medical care.

Annabelle is about 4-5 years old. She has an appointment June 22 to be tested for heart worm, vaccinated, and spayed. We all have our paws crossed that her heart worm test will be negative which is one of the greatest fears in these situations. If she tests positive, 4 Paws 1 Heart will be there for her. – diana

P.S. Don’t forget — your donation can be doubled during our 1776 July 4th Campaign.

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

6/19/23 – 4 Paws 1 Heart could not change the lives of so many homeless animals without the help of our amazing supporters and donors (as well as the amazing veterinary clinics who we are proud to call partners). And, over the next two weeks, you will have an opportunity to double your donation!!

Thanks to one of Chance and the Gang’s “Honorary Aunties” we are beginning the ‘1776 4th of July Match’ where between today and July 4, a total of $1,776 in donations will be matched.

Keep in mind that after the festivities of Independence have ended, we hear many reports of pets getting lost or hurt when they get frightened by the sound of fireworks. But it doesn’t only apply to pets. So many stray animals who have no where to go also get as frightened and injured. So, this year, please consider spending your hard-earned money on helping our stray community animals AND our neighborhood pets by making a donation to 4 Paws 1 Heart instead of purchasing fireworks.

Donations can be made at:

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

NOTE: 1776 MATCH

Thanks in advance! – Diana