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It’s been a quiet week and I had a chance to build up my funds thanks to a few generous donors. I’ve been keeping up with Scratch’s boarding and training and he is doing wonderfully and ready for adoption. Lexi, our next major case, is due for major reconstruction surgery in April; I am now ready for that and any other case that may come my way.

I’ve decided to tell you all a story that I’ve conjured up in my still fertile mind, so sit back and have fun and enjoy “The Tale of El Toro”:

A few centuries ago there was a tribe that was part of the Aztec nation in Southern Mexico called the Wanabees. They were led by the good King Lostalot who was much loved by his people. Because of his goodness the gods had promised Lostalot a long and prosperous life. The King’s best friend was his trusted Chihuahua, El Toro.

One of the King’s favorite pastimes was to wander off into the jungle and true to his name; he would always lose his way. El Toro would then lead the good King back to the village.  

One day on one of his jungle jaunts he came face to face with a jaguar. Afraid he would be mauled, the good King scrambled up a tree. The jaguar crouched down preparing to leap up at Lostalot. When he did, El Toro bit him on the rump. The jaguar turned around and seeing nothing went back into his crouch to get the King. This time El Toro bit his rump much harder and backed off about ten feet.  The jaguar turned in anger and spotted El Toro.  El Toro yelled out (in animal speak of course) “There’s a lot more where that came from big fella.”  

Furious, the jaguar took after the Chihuahua but the crafty little guy darted around just out of reach until the big cat got weary and laid down to rest. El Toro then went back and led the good King back to his royal residence.

True to their word the gods let the good King live 200 years. Upon his death the village doctors decided to do an autopsy to find out his demise. The consensus was that Lostalot died of old age.

If you get to the ancient ruins you’ll find a statue of El Toro with his foot on a jaguar’s throat. El Toro was a great hero in the world of “Chihuahuadom” and because of that, the little rascal was quite prolific. Today, there are still many of his progeny dreaming of their ancient idol El Toro. These owners know this and keep them close to home. Every now and then one will escape and enter the jungle to hunt jaguar. The naturalists of the region are amazed that though there is plenty of prey, the jaguar’s favorite snack is a Chihuahua.  Woof, yip, woof, arf, woof, which is Chihuahuanese for 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.