In the past few weeks I told of two animals who were rejected for their initial purpose because of defects. The first was Forest, a sweet (now five-month-old) Shepherd pup who was going to be a therapy dog for an autistic boy. The deformed leg was degenerative and could not be fixed, so amputation was the best option for the dog. Last Thursday Forest’s leg was taken and he was to be picked up on Saturday. Dr. Allen called and asked if Forest could be picked up on Friday because things went perfectly and he’s raring to go.

By the way, once again Dr. Allen kept my fees at a minimum. Today Forest is no longer dragging the bad leg around and he’s gleefully running with just as much agility as any four-legger.

Second is Ruger, a wonderful lab mix, scheduled for Soldier Animal Project (SAP). He was much loved and his demeanor made him a perfect candidate. Unfortunately it was found he had two bad hips at the young age of two years. I set up to have the operations done, one hip at a time, not only for Ruger’s welfare, but we feared he wouldn’t be adoptable with a major surgery pending.

After X-rays and consultation with Dr. Allen, my good friend had a different prognosis.

“Lennie,” Keith told me, “this operation isn’t necessary and to be honest it would do more harm than good. There is an 80 to 90 percent chance that he’ll never need the operation and he won’t be in any pain.”

Everyone deferred to Dr. Allen and Ruger was brought to the Animal Fair in hopes someone would see past his problems.

When I received the email that Ruger was adopted by a family from Atlanta who were visiting their parents, Philip Burrus. Dr. Raines was there and explained about the x-rays and possible future surgery. The couple said, “If that comes to pass we will be happy to absorb all costs.”

The message to me was, “I think this couple was heaven sent and the gentleness and love between Ruger and her new family is beautiful to see.”

Ruger also has a new companion, a six year old Shepherd-Lab mix and the two ran and swam in the Burrus’ pool until they dropped.

Of course this email brought tears to my eyes because, as you know, I’m an old softy.

Thanks to everyone who was involved in the wonderful outcome for these two boys.  Most of all, thank You, Lord, as I firmly believe You had a hand in all of this.

Please come to my fundraiser at Tryon Estates on Sunday. There are many more who need our help and you must know by now, we can’t go wrong — after all, the Boss is on our side.

Thanks for listening.