I’m quietly sitting in my favorite chair with a book in my lap and a pen and pad on the table beside me. Part of me is reading, part of me is praying, as I occasionally jot down a thought or two that comes to mind.

I’m currently juggling too many dogs and I’m having problems following their progress and placing them. My funds are low but a fundraiser is coming up and I’ll be all right for a while. Things always work out because I have so many wonderful people assisting me, but at the moment my lower back is acting up again and I’m feeling sorry for myself.

The phone rings and I send a silent prayer, “Please let it be for Elaine.”

My wife brings me the phone, “It’s Judy Davis – she needs to speak with you.”

Judy is a straightforward, no nonsense person that I hold in high esteem. She knows and loves animals and would not be calling me with something frivolous.

“Hi, Judy, dear, what can I do for you?”

She tells me of a little female pit bull that has been roaming near her property; she crawled under barbed wire and scratched her head and backside.

“The Humane Society is full and I can’t find her owner,” she went on.

“Is she all right?” I ask.

“She’s beautiful, Lennie, and so sweet but she has some sort of rash on her underside. I can’t afford her right now – can you help?”

“Take her down to Landrum vet in the morning and tell them to bill Lennie’s fund. I’ll call and confirm it and stop by to see her tomorrow after work.”

“Thanks, Lennie, for this and all you do.”

“One more thing, dear. I’m overloaded at the moment – I’ll see to all her needs but I’m going to leave her in your name. Please help in any way you can, especially in finding her a home.”

Elaine takes the phone with a big smile on her face.