Last week, I spoke of Earl the Boston bull and my dreams about him. 

When Molly was found and adopted by Steve, I believed my dream was answered and, in my heart, it was.

I’ve since helped with a difficult birth where the mom and all the pups were lost. It saddened and angered me because, with a little common sense, the tragedy could have been avoided.

Then I helped Buddy, a min-pin with a large tumor that needed to go to the specialists at Upstate. Buddy belongs to another rescue Angel who has saved dozens of dogs. 

I was asked to assist, so I called Upstate to register Buddy as one of Lennie’s kids. 

I learned this week that Buddy’s operation was successful, and that he’ll be going home soon. I spoke with the surgeons and asked if Buddy could have some of Uncle Lennie’s discounts from the $4,200 bill, and then left $2,000 to help with the final fee.

Though I was pleased with the ability to accomplish certain things and somehow make a difference, I sort of felt something was missing.

After my dream, I had gone back to the shelter to see if I was needed anywhere, and I assumed meeting Molly and finding her a home fulfilled my dream.

This week, I went back to the Foothills Humane Society shelter because I still had an empty feeling.

While at the shelter, I asked Ashley (cutie) if there were any animals in need of my help. 

“They’re all OK Lennie, but there is one that has been here awhile and came back after being adopted.” 

I went out to meet Krudo, a bindle pit mix that was too handsome for words. Ashley gave me the rundown on Krudo’s story as I was loving him up. 

Ashley laughed, “That’s his problem, he just loves people.” 

“Darn it,” I said jokingly. “I thought it was just me he took a shining to.”

I learned that Krudo was found staked to the ground and tethered with a logging chain. This was supposedly someone’s idea of a guard dog. 

Krudo, to his credit, never blamed his owners and just accepted whatever interaction he received. Because of it, Krudo is an escape artist; he cannot be left alone in a yard.  He must be walked or a person must be with him when he’s let out (who can blame him?).

I’ve looked into his eyes and his gaze went straight to my soul and I knew in that instant, Krudo was the answer to the emptiness I felt.

He reminded me of Soldier, whose collage is up at Landrum vet, and also of Viper, the soldier’s dog from “A debt that must be paid.”

I always tell people who ask me to choose a dog, “Go down to the shelter — the right dog will choose you.” 

Krudo is the reason why I can’t watch the Humane Society commercials; I’ve seen enough of them in person. 

Get down to the shelter and give Krudo a chance. You just may fulfill both our dreams.

Thanks for listening.