Sometimes when major cases come at me one after another I begin to lose track.

I know who and what I’m dealing with at the time but then I must push it aside for what’s ahead needs full attention.

Of course animals that are not quite secure yet stay within my purview and under my radar. I say this because if I met you with one of my kids and it takes me awhile to put two and two together, please forgive me.

When I first learned of Sasha, I was fielding case after case (most of them major) and I was beginning to lose control of both time and monies. I took a deep breath and said a prayer which calmed me down. I know now all cases are sent to me for a purpose, I would not make the same mistake I initially made with Patches; I would not fail this test.

Sasha is approximately 4 years old and we’ve deemed her a Shepherd-Rottweiller mix.  She is a magnificent beauty with a gentle heart bigger than her body.

Sasha was struck heavily by a van and then ran off, many thought to die.  She showed up one week later strongly favoring her right rear leg.  She was brought to her owner who refused to admit ownership and was placed in a bite house by animal control over the weekend and had three days to live. When Patti and Chris called me about her, it was decided we’d pull her and give her a new chance at life.

“She’s sweet and beautiful Lennie,” the ladies told me. “I’ll bet she is,” I replied laughing.

The next morning, I went to Landrum vet to visit Tullie and walk Molly when I learned Sasha had already arrived. I rushed to the back holding area to meet her; I’ll have time for the others later. Thump, thump, thump the sound of her tail greeted me before her magnificent smile. I open the cage, sit in with her and cradle her head in my arms. She snuggles closer, loving the attention, “Hang in there sweetheart,” I pronounce, “I promise I’ll do all I can to make things better.”

Tears of compassion blend in with her fur as I kiss her beautiful head over and over.

Her leg is too shattered to be worked on at the vets so x-rays are sent to Upstate, stating that Sasha is one of Lennie’s kids. Sasha gets scheduled the very next day (Thursday) at 8:45 a.m., I have an appointment at 10:30 a.m. for Molly’s first follow-up and I can’t do both. Patti agrees to do the early trip and I’ll speak with Dr. Allen about Sasha when I arrive with Molly.

I’m there to see Sasha and Patti off at 8 a.m. and I leave with Molly two hours later.  Molly receives an excellent report from Dr. Allen, her leg is healing perfectly and hopefully she’ll get to go home after my next appointment in a month, I hope Julie can hang on.

“How’s Sasha doing Keith?” I ask. “It’s a bad one Lennie; they’re still operating on her.”  I learn Patti left $1,200 for her fee and I offer to pay the rest.

“Hold off on that Lennie we’ll work all that out when you pick her up.”

“She really is a special girl doc; please have your team work their magic for her.”

“All your pups are special Lennie, but she is a beauty and I promise we’ll do our best.”  Keith and I hug and I leave with Molly.

Sasha’s operation lasts over six hours; it was one of the worst breaks they’ve ever seen.  Dr. Allen calls me later that afternoon ad explains everything.

“She’s going to be just fine Lennie, she’s a trooper and you’re right, she’s a beautiful lady.”

“Thank you Doc and God bless you, you and your whole team; it means the world to me that you’re there.”

“I’ll tell them Lennie; we all feel the same about you.”

I hang up the phone and tearfully give praise and thanks to the Lord for Sasha and His helping angels. I then add, “How’d I do with this one Lord? Am I getting better at this?”  Someday I’ll pay for my arrogance; I just hope His lesson isn’t too harsh.

Thanks for listening.