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Last week, I mentioned a case that I had taken on involving a stray lab-Rottie mix.  

“We’ve had her for three days and couldn’t locate an owner,” I was told. 

 “What do you wish of me?” I asked.  

“If possible, we’d like to keep her,” Liana told me. My ten-year-old son has already become attached to her. She’s really sweet, Mr. Rizzo, but we don’t have the money to have her checked out. Could you help?”

Two days later, I met Lady, the name the boy had given her, at Landrum Vet. This sweet girl struck me in the heart the moment I laid eyes on her. Lady seemed to sense my emotion and leaned into me, moaning with pleasure as I rubbed her ears. It seems there may be a little more involved than was previously thought.  

Lady was perhaps just a bit more than a year old, and it looked like she’d already had pups. She was slightly emaciated but, other than that, in fairly good health. Her main problem, other than needing all her shots, was some swollen mammary glands. I paid a bit over $200 for the initial visit and full bank of tests, including deworming. On August 1, she is due to receive all her shots and get a determination on her gland problem.  

I’ve been notified that the possible surgery for Lady will run around $2,200. I okayed whatever was needed and sent the lucky Lady home to a family that will hopefully love her for years to come. The thought of this ten-year-old boy growing into adulthood with their beautiful lady as his companion almost moved me to tears.

Though I always acknowledge all the donations I receive, I wish to thank again all those who make it possible for me to do what I do. Know this, my angels: without you, there wouldn’t be me.

As always, God bless and 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.