By Leonard Rizzo

Vada is a 16-year-old Rat Terrier that has been loved and cared for all her life. Vada has returned that love and been a faithful family member throughout.

A few weeks ago Vada began feeling bad and quit eating; she was brought to Cloverfield vet for help and a diagnosis.  It was learned that Vada had congestive heart failure and pancreatitis and simply was shutting down toward the end of her life.
I received the call from this wonderful family asking if I would help keep her alive and pain free while they gathered the family together to have one more early Christmas with their beloved Vada.
I was not only willing, I was eager to help these beautiful people who were so devoted to their family pet. I made my way over to Cloverfield to visit Vada personally and take some photos of this great lady. She was being treated with medications and was given anything she needed to keep her comfortable.
When I greeted her she looked up and all I could see was pure love in her eyes. I fought back the tears wanting to just hold her in my arms and by sheer will make her well enough for one more Christmas. Before leaving I made it clear that Vada was to have whatever she needed and not to spare expenses.
I made it back out to Cloverfield on Tuesday to check on Judith who was having the bullets removed from her jaw. Judith and her brother Meyer are from a previous story but we’ll follow up on that in the future.
While at the vet I asked how Vada was doing and could I see her. I learned that the family had all gathered there last night to say goodbye to Vada once last time as she was quietly put to sleep to ease her pain. This time I could not hold back the tears for I truly believe she is now where the true meaning of Christmas resides, she is with Him who is pure love.

Thanks for listening.

P.S. Next week I will be telling a Thanksgiving tale thanking many I’ve helped who have paid back. I have been trying for over a year to contact Ranger. I’ve misplaced his info, so please, if you read this, contact me through the Tryon Daily Bulletin or my address below.

Donations to the Lennie’s Kids fund may be mailed to 245 Ioka Hills Rd., Columbus, NC 28722.