By Leonard Rizzo

 

About four or five years ago a little girl came under my care, her breed was and is to this day undetermined but we classified her a pit mix. Her coloring was cocoa brown with dashes of black and cream in her fur, so I named her Coffee. Coffee was not only beautiful, she was also loving and playful. Besides vaccinations and worm care all she needed from Uncle Lennie was the proper home.

Around the time a fledgling winery was emerging called Parker-Binns. When Karen and Bob called me with interest in Coffee to be a greeting dog they assured me that if she was all I said she was, she would want for nothing in their home. We met at Landrum vet where Coffee was being boarded and she was adopted that very day, for it was love at first sight all around. Coffee’s name was changed to Lulu and she has become a mainstay at the winery. I believe just as many people visit Parker-Binns for Lulu as they do for the wonderful wines and atmosphere. Lulu never forgets Uncle Lennie and it thrills me how she dashes up to greet me bearing her teeth in a grin then plopping down for a tummy rub.

There are many wonderful wines to be tried at Parker-Binns but the most popular is Loco-Lulu with a picture of my girl on the label. For each bottle that is sold $1 goes to Lennie’s fund and my kids receive a check every month.

As I stated earlier, there are many who support my cause but Lulu’s tale is such a wonderful circle of love and giving I deemed it most appropriate for this holiday.

I pray you all had a warm and loving Thanksgiving and that you always keep in mind those in need.

God bless and thanks for listening.