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Dozens upon dozens of times I have helped a family where a beloved pet had been injured one way or another. More often than not these folks just cannot afford such an expensive bill at this time. Once in a while, some effort will be made to pay some back so I can help others but most of all I get great joy knowing that the animal and the family will become whole again.

Funds are always low this time of the year but I will be hoping to raise more as I resubmit my end-of-the-year tales to the Bulletin beginning next month: “The Collaberator,” “Cola, the Rest of the Story,” “Back to My Roots” and “Yes, There’s a Santa.” The plea is always the same and God willing, so will the response be.

In the poem, “Back to My Roots,” one part tells of the Child of Hope statue and the plaque in front of the FHS shelter. Part of her pleas is when she calls for the injured. 

I received a call from the shelter about Lila, a 6 or 7-month-old pup who came in with her ribs showing and a fractured or dislocated hip. I was told the leg may have to be amputated and was asked if I could help. Immediately I thought of the Child of Hope statue and sight unseen I began to tear up. This girl got in this position because somewhere along the line, either by indifference or ignorance, some human dropped the ball and allowed this to happen.

I have seen the results of such cases when some Good Samaritan doesn’t intervene. The thought of such an animal, lonely and in pain, just wasting away, breaks my heart. I agreed to take care of whatever Lila needed and off she went to Landrum Vet. After x-rays and exams, it was decided the leg could be saved. 

I won’t go into all the procedures but Lila now has a strong splint with a tight bandage, which she’ll keep on till she grows some more and then perhaps she will need a plate.

I met Lila at the shelter for the very first time last week. My best guess is that she’s some sort of small terrier mix. She was lying on a mat in the front office, soaking up all the attention with a look of joy on her face as she relished being the center attraction. Kat Hamilton sat next to her and Lila put her head in Kat’s lap.  

“Do you want to pet her?” Kat asked. I knew if I got down that low it would take a team to get me back up again. “That’s okay,” I answered, “I’ll get my share of loving before it’s all over, for now just seeing her happy makes my day.”

If you would like to donate to Lennie’s Kids, my address is 245 Ioka Hills Rd., Columbus, NC, 28722.

So for now, dear readers, Lila and I want to thank you for being there. Thanks for listening.

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