The call came in from a Good Samaritan that a dog was lying in the woods severely injured. The person who called worked in the area and two good friends were sent to investigate, Dana Meyer (my hero) and Kelly Vinesette from the new P3 in Landrum.

At first the animal appeared to be dead, but when approached, it lifted its head and her tail began thumping. No matter how long you work at animal rescue, scenes such as this will never stop bringing tears to your eyes. Baylon, which is the name given to her, is no more than nine or ten months old, medium sized, all white with a dark eye patch and breed unknown.

The reason she was lying still was that she was probably in shock, a method animals have to disguise pain. Her left foreleg was mangled beyond recognition and first thought was a possible vehicle accident. It was later learned that Baylon had been shot.

Baylon was rushed to Landrum Vet where the leg had to be removed; it was far too damaged to have any hope of saving it.

Baylon has won the hearts of everyone who has gotten to know her. The staff at Landrum Vet told me she greeted everyone with a smiling face and a thumping tail through the whole ordeal.

I personally visited her every day and sat in her cage with her. Her love of life and affection is infectious and I have dropped more than one tear into her fur as I kissed her face.

P3s, or Paws, Prayers & Promises, has begun raising money to help pay for Baylon’s vet bills and I have promised to use Lennie’s fund for any shortfall they may have.

As I write this Baylon is at Dana’s home recuperating and I don’t know if Dana will give her up for adoption. If she will, then someone will be lucky enough to have this magnificent three-legged beauty with the heart of a lion.

In closing I wish to say that I try very hard to control my anger toward some of the injustices I see. I pray somehow justice will be served, but our first goal is to heal the wounds.

Our tears are from anger and frustrations but often they come from witnessing the courage and goodness in the hearts of these we rescue.

Thanks for listening.