Last week I repeated some of my early dealings with Soldier, one of Uncle Lennie’s favorite kids. I wished to enlighten some of my newer readers and refresh the minds of some long time readers on just who Soldier is. I’ve had some other cases, like Red, the little Chihuahua mix that was shot in the rear end and had to have his tail removed. It is the same old story but I’m seeing that little Red gets what she needs. Right now all my thoughts, prayers and energies are devoted to Soldier and his family, Nicholas, Diana, and of course sweet little Lily, who is now 9 years old.

A little over two weeks ago I received a cal from Diana regarding Soldier.

“Lennie,” Diana said, “I may need some help regarding Soldier. He has a tumor on his underside near his privates and I can’t afford the tests needed, our family is struggling.”

I learned that Nicholas was in a motorcycle accident where a car ran over him and he nearly lost his life. He wound up with a ruptured aorta and did lose his right leg.  Nicholas now uses crutches and a prosthetic and has weaned himself off of drugs, which was another problem for a while.

“Lennie,” Diana went on, “Soldier is our boy and I can’t express how deeply we love him. Through it all Soldier is like the glue that holds our family together.”

I have since sent $1,000 to the family to pay for tests and whatever else Soldier may need. Soldier’s test came back positive for cancer and the tumor is inoperable. I gave a copy to Dr. Raines at Landrum Vet and made an appointment the following Saturday for her to see Soldier. The Hall family agreed to bring him down and I was anxious to see the big fella again in spite of all the problems.

On Saturday morning I met with the family at Landrum Vet and Soldier greeted me as if no time lapsed when last we’d seen each other. My heart was in my throat, for Soldier was just as magnificent as ever. I received hugs from the whole family and in we went to see Dr. Raines.

Donna was also excited to see Soldier again though the situation was dire. Donna had been in contact with the vets in Asheville and after examining Soldier it was agreed his tumor was inoperable.

“He’s very healthy in all other ways,” Dr. Raines said. “We could try some chemo and in many cases the tumor will shrink, but it’s very expensive.”

Through it all Soldier was eating up all the attention and loving it.

“What are you so happy about, big fella?” I said. “You’re a very sick boy.”

“I’ll be okay, Uncle Lennie,” Soldier replied.

I gave the family another $500 for special foods and whatever meds may help Soldier. I okayed the chemo, which would be another few thousand dollars from Lennie’s fund. I was determined to save Soldier at all costs; he had a very important job to do.

After our visit at Landrum Vet, I took the family over to Harmon Field where Soldier and Lily went for a little dip in the river. Soldier had a ball, he was in heaven.

After we departed I went to my church. I was emotionally exhausted. I hit my knees in front of the Lord and prayed, “Please help me with this one, this is one of Your very special creatures.”

Since then Soldier has been back to Landrum Vet. His tumor had burst and was draining some blood and white fluids. He had begun his chemo and if you didn’t see the ugly mass beneath him, he looked vibrant and healthy.

Dr. Lara examined him this time and explained, “The draining could be good, and it will help shrink the tumor. God, he’s beautiful,” she exclaimed.

I smiled and realized it was Dr. Lara’s first meeting with this handsome brute. A few staples were put in but some of the tumor was left open so the drainage would continue.  Next, Soldier was fitted with the collar of shame so he wouldn’t worry the infected area.  Soldier came over to me and put his head in my lap as if to say, “Help me, Uncle Lennie.”

I kissed him between the eyes and said, “I’ve got the Boss on the job for you big fella, but you have to do your part.”

“Okay Uncle Lennie, I’ll try to be good.”

Soldier is in the best hands I know both spiritually and physically. Please offer your prayers and whatever help you can give, he is so worth it.

On behalf of Soldier and all my kids,

Thanks for listening.