By Leonard Rizzo

A few months back, around the same time I took on Baxter and Gidget, Barkley came to my attention. Barkley is a sweet little pitt that is approximately one and a half years old.  Barkley is another one of those stories that tears my heart out. He had been tied up ever since he was a pup and the dear folks at Pet Tender Angels were begging the owners to give him to them. A dear friend Jackie, who volunteers at PTA, among other things, was frantic but there wasn’t anything that could be done.

When Lori Jewell called to inform me that they had Barkley at PTA I rushed over to meet him and learn his story. When I saw him my heart leapt up to my throat and I ached to simply hold him in my arms.

All his ribs were showing from his hips to his chest. He was definitely malnourished along with who knows what else. As bad as his abuse was affecting me, it was Barkley himself that flooded my eyes with tears. Here was this boy trying to show love and gratitude to everyone he could reach.

I learned that Barkley was abandoned and was tied up on that chain for over four days before he was rescued. As I leaned over and held him in my arms, Barkley proceeded to wash away my tears. I looked up at Lori and Jackie who were watching the whole scene and said, “Whatever he needs – and I mean anything — Lennie’s fund will handle.”

 

Many of my special cases are successful only because of all the people around me. In Barkley’s case all I did was help pay bills; it was Lori and Jackie who fostered and neutered him, along with many of the other great volunteers at Pet Tender Angels.

When I met Lori at Landrum Vet last week she had Barkley in tow. The sweet boy had filled out beautifully and was straining at the leash to get to me. I’d like to think I was someone special in his world, but Barkley will give love to anyone who shows him affection. I learned that he was adopted by a great family and I don’t know who is luckier, Barkley or them.

I leaned over and wrapped my arms around him and proceeded to return the favor he gave me months ago, kissing him all over his face.

“It’s so good to see you Barkley, you go out there and have the wonderful live you deserve.”

In conclusion I wish to once again thank all the people who made Barkley’s whole new world possible. Most of all I wish to thank Barkley, whose heart remains pure and loving.  I can’t imagine what life would be like without animals like him to show us the way. Thanks for listening.

PULL PUT BOX

People have been asking where to send donations to me, so here is my address:

245 Ioka Hills Rd.

Columbus, NC 28722