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A few weeks ago, I discussed the upcoming cases I had committed to. The first was Quiver, a sweet, long-haired Chihuahua who needed extensive dental work. All went well, and the bill of nearly $1,000 was paid.

Next was Lady, the sweet stray that was found and kept. I paid a few hundred dollars for the initial examination and blood work; her new owners took care of spaying her, stating they wished to help where they could. The major procedure to fix her extended and swollen mammary glands was scheduled this week at an estimate of around $2,000, which I was prepared for.

A minor case popped up in between. Blessing, an older poodle, needed her yearly exam. I handled it for around $50 but refused to get her needed shots. It wasn’t the money that made me refuse. I’ve helped Blessing before, and to continue would set a bad precedent.

Before I could take care of Lady, Roscoe, a much loved one-year-old Pitty was struck by a car. One of his legs was so badly damaged it had to be removed. I informed Roscoe’s owners that he’d do just fine with three legs; I call them tripods.  

“I’ve had dozens of cases, and all have thrived,” I told them. I met the dog after his leg was taken. “You’re a handsome lad,” I told him, and his face lit up. Roscoe’s owners scraped up $1,700, and I paid the rest, around $800.

I received an email from Lady’s owners. Though I was prepared to handle Lady’s mammary procedure at this time, they felt they weren’t prepared to give her proper care financially. They had found a new owner for Lady who loved her and was willing and able to handle all medical expenses. They ended the email with these words: “Thank you for all your help. You are the kindest man I’ve ever known.”

I guess I can’t count that case as a failure; all people involved with Lady since she was first found have led her on the right path.

So, as you see, dear readers, just as the great poet Robert Burns said, which inspired Steinbeck’s famous novella, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

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.