All too often I have dealt with cases of cruelty, neglect and indifference. Each time a new case arises that comes to my attention I am reminded of cases in the past.

Johnny was found in a ditch by Poors Ford and Airport Road. He had been badly struck by a vehicle and was brought to the FHS shelter. Johnny is an eight- to ten-week-old Chocolate Lab and when I heard his story I wept deep within the core of my heart.

Thought they all shake me, the very old and the very young move me the most. Just the thought of this poor little soul laying there, dazed, confused and in pain, immediately evokes prayers from my lips for his well being.

“You’ve asked that we take care of the least of these, Lord. Please help me to help this fragile little soul.”

For some reason Johnny brought to mind Gizmo, the sweet little pup who was tossed from a truck many years ago. Gizmo is a big boy now and the main ambassador at the Wallahora household. Gizmo was one of my fledgling cases and part of the reason that began this mission I am on.

Johnny is going to be a very expensive and difficult case because he has fractures in three different areas. I have spoken twice with Upstate Veterinarian Specialists where he was sent. On Friday I was told it was too busy for them to operate until Monday. He’s on antibiotics, pain relief and we’ve stitched up his wounds till then. We’ve also placed him in a sling so he won’t lie in his own urine.

“He’s a sweet boy, Mr. Rizzo; we’ll do all we can for him,” they told me.

As I write this Johnny still hasn’t been operated on because he’s anemic and needed a blood transfusion first. It will take two separate procedures to fix his wounds and then a slow rehabilitation. I have sent a few thousand dollars to begin his work but we’re looking at $7,000 all in all and maybe more.

I will do as I’ve always done, I will beg and cajole to try to keep the fees to a minimum but Johnny and I may need your help.

By now you know how to reach me, just say it’s for Johnny and I’ll see this sweet boy receives your help.

I will keep you posted on his progress and if you can’t help monetarily, please offer your prayers. The Lord listens when it affects one of the least of these.

Thanks for listening.