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It’s not unusual for me to receive several requests for aid during the course of a week. After a few questions, some I’ll take on and some I do not, and there are many reasons in each case. Last Thursday was quite unusual; I received three calls in a two-hour span.

 

The first came from a gentleman whose two-year-old Chesapeake retriever got into some aluminum foil. Swallowing the foil could be very dangerous and helping him out could be quite expensive. He had received a loan from a special program and I okayed handling whatever else it may cost. The pup was due at Landrum Vet the next day and I told him that I’ll be there to see how things went and to settle up tomorrow after dialysis.

 

The next call came from a lady that is legally blind and on disability. Bailey, her 13-year-old Lhasa Apso, needs extensive dental work and would have to be put under for at least four hours. Bailey, I was told, also has a heart murmur. The lady in question also was a client at Landrum Vet.  

 

“Please dear,” I told her. “It’s not that I don’t wish to help, I just fear putting a 13-year-old dog under, especially with a heart murmur.  Call Landrum and have them explain if she is strong enough for this procedure and I’ll help.”  

 

“Thanks, Mr. Rizzo,” came her reply.  

 

“No problem, let’s hope we can help your little girl,” I said.

 

The third call came from a gentleman about his little long-haired Chihuahua. I had helped Keith and little Quiver before, and in time all my assistance was paid back. Quiver is now 10 years old and the bond between him and Keith is a beautiful thing to behold.

 

It seems Quiver has been off her food for a few days and Keith had already spent over $1,000 trying to find out what was wrong. Keith thought Quiver may have pancreatitis but the bank of tests would be expensive.  

 

“Take him to Bonnie Brae and tell them I okayed whatever he needs,” I said.

 

“God bless you Mr. Rizzo,” Keith replied. 

 

“Thank you, Keith, let’s help the little fella and worry about things later.”

 

The Chesapeake is doing well and is going to be okay, and the money the owner received covered the bill. Bailey, the Lhasa Apso, is scheduled next week for the procedure and I’ll handle the fee for this dear lady. My little buddy Quiver has had all his tests done after Bonnie Brae called and I okayed it. He is home now and Keith said he’s doing better on his new diet.  After my 501C3 discounts, Quiver’s bill was $523.

 

Sometimes all I can offer is peace of mind and with the Good Lord’s help, that is enough.

I’ll have enough funds for Bailey but I’ve had quite a dry spell with donations, so if you can, help. My kids and I could also use a little peace of mind.

 

Thanks for listening.

 

 

Leonard Rizzo is the founder of Lennie’s Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps sick and injured animals in the Foothill, promotes animal welfare and works to find homes for pets.