BY Leonard Rizzo

When I stopped physically working for the Foothills Humane Society I began devoting most of my energies toward keeping animals from hitting their doorstep. I kept my friends at the shelter alive because I still wish to maintain my commitment to the sick and injured that reach FHS and I still keep that commitment to this day.

Long before I arrived in Polk County there were folks who devoted their lives to the welfare of the animals and God willing they’ll still be with us after I’m long gone. I’ll reiterate what I’ve often said, “I stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Before I go on and speak of Tank who inspired this story, I wish to announce that Cain is doing fine and soon will be home with his family. Also, Buddy Boy, the sweet little pup who broke his jaw in play, has been adopted into a loving home. Thanks, Allison, great foster job.

Tank was dropped off at Landrum Vet, high heartworm positive and he hadn’t been neutered. He is a 1 ½ year old Catahoula mix and handsome as all get out and sweet, too.

There wasn’t anyone to pay for Tank’s care so Landrum took on the bills. If it weren’t for his heartworm condition, Tank may have been ideal for the SAP program for soldiers with PTSD.

Jeri Arledge from Rusty’s Legacy took him on and he is now in her care. Lennie’s Fund, along with Landrum Vet, paid for Tank’s initial care and I offered Jeri further help with his heartworm treatments if needed. Rusty’s Legacy has worked with me on another case recently and I am thrilled to have another great rescuer in my go to file.

I have recently learned of a new program being started that will sort of be an adoption sanctuary for older animals. I learned that Dana (the blue whale) and Joan the wonderful Beagle rescuer have been placed on their board. “Hey, whoever you are, go find your own people.”  Just kidding of course, they couldn’t have made a better choice. I heard that they’ve already rescued an old Wolfhound that was wandering and in trouble health wise. If I can, I’ll learn more and tell that story.

In the future Lennie’s kids will help your cause in anyway I can, this program warms my heart, bless you for it. I am very proud that today all of these rescuers often keep in touch with each other for the benefit of the wayward animal and if I am the cog that helps make it happen, I am honored.

To all you rescuers, and I can fill this page naming you, you all just keep holding me up, I am damned proud to stand on your shoulders.

Thanks for listening.