My Nonprofit Reviews

It was 2011 when we inquired about Ruby Faith. My friend had shown me a picture of a sad, old dog in a box in a garage. Her owner had died. The grown kids came and took one dog and simply left this sweet girl behind to die.

My husband DID NOT relish the idea of saving her, even after showing him the picture that looked like Ruby had been eating the edges of the box she was trapped in. It was Fourth of July. "What if she's afraid of fireworks? We better go get her before dark!" Oh, that wonderful man.

We drove over an hour, met Gina and Dave bringing us this bedraggled old girl, silver muzzle, missing teeth, a seriously adorable overbite, tumors in her breasts, and a smile, which she had for us for 2 years before she had to be put down. When we brought her home and put a new orthopedic mattress in her crate, she couldn't quit kissing me. All she wanted was her friend, Henry, asleep beside her, and her days were made. A senior dog has issues. So did we!

The friendship that developed with Four Paws - Gina, Dave, Diana, Denise, and many others - continues today, something for which I am grateful. I have seen first hand what these tireless, devoted angels can do for these sweet animals. I have helped in winter when groups slowly cruise alleyways and hidden corners in the cities, searching for dogs without shelter, hay, or the basics. I have helped match donations when they were running so low they were spending their own money not to turn away from animals in need. I have cried with them, comforted them, and supported them, even as they have supported me. This is a family.

To say, "I MUST do something" always gets more accomplished than sitting back saying, "That's terrible. Something MUST be done." Who will help if not us?

Four Paws One Heart is one small organization in one city in one state. And their efforts are 24/7 - 365 days each year. The impact of your donations is immediate. There are many outreaches to local rescues, veterinarians, animal hospitals, foster families, and friends in order to accomplish what miracles they support daily. Their heroic efforts are endless, their hearts are enormous and, sometimes, their heartache is crushing. Still, off they go.

It has been our honor to support this family of dedicated warriors. I hope you will consider supporting Four Paws One Heart, too. For if not you, then who? Dinah Brinson, Oxford