4 Paws 1 Heart was created when our co-founder, Gina DeLuca Jenio, licensed veterinary technician, worked in an animal emergency hospital.  Nearly every evening a stray animal, injured/ill and often at the brink of death,  would be brought into the hospital by a first responder or a good Samaritan.  And, more often than not, that animal had no one.  The medical staff would try to help but their funds and abilities were limited and that is when Gina talked to me about filling the need for sick and injured stray animals.

A team was formed and together we created a name and a mission and, because legal fees would take away from the money needed for medical treatment,  the team did the necessary research to successfully acquire a non-profit status (501c3) from the federal government and to incorporate the organization in the State of Michigan.  That was in 2010 and since then 4 Paws 1 Heart has made the difference in over 10,000 animal lives and have paid $1.7 million in medical treatment.  And, because every animal who comes to us for medical help, is spayed/neutered, thousands of animals have been saved from being born and potentially dying on the streets.

The majority of animals we are asked to help only require basic care -- a test for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus ,distemper/rabies vaccines, spay/neuter, treatment for fleas and parasites.  But, many others require more severe medical care.  Hercules was one of the first.  He was brought into the emergency hospital by a local animal control officer (ACO) . Hercules was seen, day after day, just sitting/laying on a lawn in from of a house.  A woman reported it to the ACO who investigated the situation and learned that Hercules' , just a puppy, had two broken back legs which resulted from his owner hitting them with a bat after Hercules got into the garbage.  The owner did nothing to get this poor puppy medical care.  The owner was warned but nothing was done and soon after, the ACO confiscated Hercules and brought him to the emergency clinic.  Hercules' beginning in life was a very sad one but with 4 Paws 1 Heart, Gina DeLuca Jenio,, Dr. Tari Kern, and the donations from many supporters who were touched by his story, Hercules has been living his best life with two wonderful, loving parents and a sibling.  His journey can be followed on our website along with his many photos.  Hercules is our canine mascot and has attended many of our fundraisers.  And, although several years have past, he can't help but turn over and give his belly to Gina every time he sees her.