It was late March when Jewel was brought to FHS, found wandering as a stray and obviously quite sick.

Jewel, a shepherd-cattle dog cross, was only about 6 weeks old when she was brought to Landrum vet for an evaluation. She was found to have severe pneumonia and a long slow process of treatment was begun.

By the end of April she had beat back the pneumonia but had developed a virulent coccidian, which is not only dangerous, but highly contagious.

The fund that was handling Jewel’s expenses had run out of money. It seemed this poor girl couldn’t catch a break.

I had visited Jewel a few times and, despite all her problems, she was fighting and growing and always hungry for human attention.

Knowing that Dr. Donna Raines would not give up on her, I went to see Elaine, her staff chief, and had Jewel’s expenses switched to Lennie’s Fund.

Jewel is now approximately 5 months old. It’s been a long hard battle, but she finally won it.

She’s due to come back to FHS at the first opening and I can’t wait to see her running healthy and happy.

She’s still a puppy and her disposition is wonderful. Let’s find her a good home and make her battle worthwhile.

On May 9, four Boxer puppies, one week old, were brought to FHS, two of which are depicted in the photo. It was discovered they probably had parvo and their chances for life weren’t very good. They were coughing up blood and mucus as they literally fought for breath; it was a pitiful sight to behold.

Our staff was frantic, trying to keep their lungs clear and doing everything they could to help them hold on. I can still hear the cries of pain from the staff as the battle was being lost.

On the third day, the little male succumbed to the disease shortly followed by another a few days later. Another week went by and one of the two shown also lost the battle. This left us with Athena. Athena became one month of age last week and is now being fostered with Stephanie. I spoke with Stephanie yesterday.

“How’s our little trooper doing, Red (my nickname for Stephanie)?”

“She’s eating and pooping up a storm,” Red said, smiling.

Throughout all the heartache and work involved, nothing brings us greater joy than when we win one.

My fingers are still crossed and I’ve asked the Lord to help with yet another one. For some reason, these little fighters seem to make the greatest pets.

For now it seems that with the help of many caring people Jewel and Athena have won their fight for life; let us do our best to make that life worth living.

Thanks for listening.