12/12/24 – We received a call from one of our friends at Orion Animal Hospital asking if we could help with Hippo’s surgery. The rescue who saved his life had received donations. but not enough to schedule the surgery. We were thankful to pay what was needed to get Hippo’s recovery started.

Here is his story as provided by the rescue, Purrs Abound Siamese Rescue of Michigan: “For those who don’t know Hippo, this sweet soul came from local animal control where he had been taken after being found living in a hot garage with many other dogs. This poor guy has significant issues with his upper airways due to his breed, and he has already had his nasal passages widened to help him out.

He will go in to our friends at Orion Animal Hospital to have a palate revision done to hopefully make his breathing a little easier. The surgery itself will be quick, but the recovery is risky and can come with complications.” Hippo had his surgery December 4. He has been with Courtney from Orion Animal Hospital and will continue to be fostered by her until he is either ready for adoption or is adopted.

His surgery went well and he’s getting lots of love at Camp Chisholm (as Courtney call her lovely safe house). – diana https://4paws1heart.org/donations/ P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

11/26/24 – I’ve often talked about the value of the ‘Village’ and once again we were thankful to be there when this handsome dude needed just a little bit more funding to get him his recent surgery. 4 Paws 1 Heart is very proud of the partnership we’ve had with Orion Animal Hospital and the amazing doctors, veterinary technicians, and supporting staff. When we’ve needed advice or a quick appointment, they have always been there. And, sometimes when an abandoned or stray animal came to their doors or one of the staff members came across a stray/shelter animal needing help, we were happy to reciprocate with funding the medical. This is Hippo’s story from the rescue, Purrs Abound Siamese Rescue of Michigan, Inc.:

“11-12-24 Hippo the Siamese Dog checking in! As you know, we pulled a handsome little House Hippo from the Oakland County shelter just a couple weeks ago with the help of our amazing foster, Courtney. Hippo has completed a two week quarantine and was able to visit our friends at Orion Animal Hospital yesterday for his airway issues.

Hippo had his nares widened while still at the shelter, and he now needs a palate resection to complete his airway care. Unfortunately, this is common with brachycephalic breeds, and he will eventually be in search of a home with experience and understanding of his needs to keep him safe. On top of this, he also has some allergy issues requiring Cytopoint injections which were started today. This may be an ongoing issue that he will need monthly injections for – time will tell! Hippo is scheduled for surgery the first week of December. Once recovered, Hippo will be on his search for a forever family. We can’t wait to see him feeling the best he can feel!”

As an additional note, Courtney, who is mentioned here, is a team member at Orion Animal Hospital. I’m proud to say that we’ve developed a very special relationship with the entire staff as well as Dr. Zalac and Dr. Blasses when it comes to working together to make a difference in the lives of those animals who have been abandoned. We may be assisting Hippo a little more in the future before he gets adopted, but word is that he is well worth it. – diana

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