Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

There are two cases pending that I wish to talk about.  

The first is Lady, the sweet Rotti mix from “Affairs of the Heart.” She’ll be getting spayed on Friday, which means it will have been done when you read this. She also has extended and swollen teats, which will be addressed. I have an estimate of $2,200, but it’s money well spent. I pray all goes well so she can go back to the young man who named her.

My little friend Quiver, the long-haired Chihuahua, will be getting extensive dental treatment in the middle of next week at an estimated cost of $1,500. Quiver’s papa makes every effort to return money to my fund. I just love the way Quiver and his owner interact; it simply warms my heart. I’m also praying for the little guy.

I got a call two days ago about an animal I’ve helped before, Blessing, a 14-year-old Poodle. I made it very clear I do not help a second time lest I be used each time their pet has a problem. It seems Blessing’s family has been paying monthly for meds, but they need to bring her in for a yearly checkup.  

I relented and okayed paying for the checkup, but I made it perfectly clear that any other expenses would have to be worked out by them. Still, prayers for Blessing also.

There are exceptions to my rule about a second time. These are people I’ve helped that make every effort to return money to my fund when they can.

Many years ago, a lady had a pet that needed surgery; I don’t even remember what it was.  She was out of work, and the fee would be pretty high. The operation went well, and over the course of two years, every penny was paid back. That is not always the case, but I stay afloat because of my special angels and those few who keep their word.

Before I close, I’d like to say a word about a dear man and fellow columnist. This past Saturday I went to the memorial of Garland Goodwin. Garland and I must have spoken about a dozen times. He had this way of making a person feel that they were the most interesting person he spoke to. Funny, I felt the same about Garland; only in his case, it was true. It was a wonderful send-off to a man who certainly deserved every bit of it.  Rest in peace, my friend.

Thanks for listening.

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