About a month and a half ago I was visiting a friend when I noticed a little squirrel attempting to cross the road in front of my car. I slowed to nearly a halt as the squirrel passed in front of me and then as I proceeded down the road I heard the dreaded thump as the little thing decided to go back.

I apologized to the Creator for harming one of His creatures and prayed there wasn’t any pain. Just about anyone who drives has had this happen at one time or another and it leaves a sinking feeling in your heart.

Baxter is a sweet 3-year-old Dachshund that belongs to a family that suffered a tragedy soon after obtaining him as a puppy. The two younger children nicknamed Baxter “Fish” because he used to nibble on them like a piranha. He still answers to Fish to this day. The family lost the older boy to suicide and Baxter’s presence became extra special to the family.

A little over a week ago Baxter escaped from their fenced yard and was struck by a car. He couldn’t use his back legs and it was feared he fractured his hip. When I received the call and learned of the family’s troubles I promised I’d do all I could to help.

I visited Baxter at Landrum Vet where I had him sent and met with his human momma. We immediately put him on pain meds and patched up his lacerations. X-rays were taken and it was determined Baxter could heal on his own. He was held overnight and I learned the next morning he urinated, which I was told was a good sign. When I went to check on him the next day I was told he was sent home.

“How’s Baxter doing?” I asked.

“He’ll be fine,” I was told.

“I hope so,” I prayed. “That household needs a lot of healing.”

Annie is a 1-year-old solid grey cat that was struck by a car. The owner called me frantic.

“Mr. Rizzo, I was told you might be able to help. We just don’t have the money for a major operation and she means the world to us.”

“Alright,” I said, “take her down to Bonnie Brae’s and tell them you spoke with me. I’ll call them and have them accept Annie as one of Lennie’s kids.”

“Thanks Mr. Rizzo, you’re a blessing.”

The next morning Dr. Fitch called me to confirm that Annie will be handled by my fund and to give me her prognosis.

“How’s she doing Ian?” I asked.

“She’s a sweet little girl, Lennie. She had a broken leg which we set and wrapped her up with a splint. A few other bumps and bruises but she’ll be fine.”

“You’re the best, my friend. Right now I’m swamped with some personal things but I’ll be in later to meet the little girl.”

“See you then,” Ian replied.

After I finished all the household chores that Elaine can’t do while in her wheelchair, I made sure everything was secure and then went out to check on some of my kids.

Annie was the first stop at Bonnie Brae’s.

“Hi Mr. Rizzo, Dr. Fitch is with a client but he’ll be with you shortly.”

“No problem, I’m here to see Annie, the cat that was struck by a car and perhaps take a picture if she’ll let me.” Ian poked his head out for a minute to let me know that she’s fine and someone will take me back to see her shortly.

A little while later one of the staff members led me back to Annie’s cage and there she was, huddled in the corner and her leg sticking out straight in a pink wrapping. I opened the cage door and spoke to her.

“How’s my little girl doing?” At the sound of my voice Annie emitted a soft low purr and this old softie fought hard to hold back the tears. I reached in and gently scratched her under her chin and the purr level raised a few decibels. “You are a sweetie, aren’t you?”

As I conclude this tale both Baxter and Annie are on the mend and we’re doing all we can to ease their pain. I pray that somehow the drivers of the cars that struck these animals learn of their fate and perhaps it will ease their pain also.

As I stated earlier, it is the most disheartening feeling when you hear that thump of an animal that was accidentally struck by your vehicle. I suppose we’ll just have to leave things in God’s hands and just do the best we can with what He leaves in our hands.

Thanks for listening.