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It’s been a few weeks since we last spoke; please forgive me. 

Among other things, I’ve been battling my arthritis. My knee has given out now and then but my lower back was the real problem. It’s difficult to describe the pain; I call them zingers. I had sharp stabs that shot the pain from my lower back right into my eyes. I was constantly under a hot shower, and I could get stock in Icy Hot pads.  

Finally, I listened to my wife Elaine and went to the doctor who gave me a steroid shot and prescribed muscle relaxers. It took a few days, but now all I have is a dull ache, which I could certainly live with.

I’ve been busy mostly at home, handling a few cases by phone. I did a lot of reading, mostly staying in touch with the Boss; I’m currently into the Gospel of Matthew. I watched a lot of TV and it’s what I wish to talk about.  

I’d promised myself I wouldn’t watch any more ASPCA commercials, but in my state, I couldn’t resist. I’ve often told folks that the best way to help is locally; it does the most good. God bless those who can do both.

One time, while watching, I was in severe pain, and looking into the emptiness of the animals’ eyes, I could see the sadness right down to their soul. Though I was in pain, I could do something about it; they must depend on the human race. The coalition of the two scenarios made me weep. These poor creatures will do anything the human race asks of them out of love.

This is a message to all true believers: God is watching, and I’d like to believe my readers are true believers. I see how we treat our own children; why wouldn’t we treat His creatures any better? I speak in general, mostly as a nation, not everyone.

Let’s try a little harder and perhaps put the light back into one of these animal’s eyes and once again take away the pain and give them a reason for living. I’d like to believe God will be watching that also.

Thank you all for putting up with all the troubles this old man’s had, and as always,

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.