I do apologize for missing my column these past few weeks. I’ve tried to make it clear that although I’m handling personal problems, my kids are still being cared for either by me or through surrogates with my okay.

I’ve had another bout with my bladder cancer and after chemo and my third operation, we’ve finally stopped the bleeding. A lot of pain and weakness, along with dialysis and stints at the hospital, have slowed me down a bit, but I’m coming back.

My boy Jax, the Chihuahua with two broken legs due to an auto accident, is healing well and has been adopted into a loving home. My promise to him has been kept.

A few that I have been working with are in comfortable positions until we find a good and proper home.

Annie, the Basset Hound, and Ellie, the American Cocker, are two old time ladies that I’ve recently assisted back to health for a sweet older owner.

Today’s photo is Maska, a sweet Boxer Mastiff mix that was rescued from Foothills Humane Society four years ago. Maska has lived with a male and female Pit that are also FHS rescues and for years have existed as a loving family. I’ve seen photos of them playing and sleeping together, a beautiful sight. Chastity, their owner, is a very responsible and loving owner as witnessed by the years of family companionship these dogs have received.

Recently a new member was adopted, a female Chihuahua that had not been spayed.  Although all of Chastity’s animals were fixed, the two males got into it over the new female. Sometimes people do not realize that size and breed doesn’t matter, instinct takes over.

Maska, to his credit, did not fight back but just tried to get away.

I have met Maska a few times and just love the beautiful gentle giant. After $1,500 worth of surgery, Maska is healing at Landrum Vet and his owners come over to walk him as often as possible.

He’s just dying to get out of his cage and he has been chewing on his collar. The poor boy just looks up at me as if to say, “I don’t know what I did wrong, Uncle Lennie.”

Of course Maska received the customary kiss between the eyes as I explained, “Just leave your stitches alone and you’ll heal and be home faster.”

Sometimes we forget that a dog will roll in poop or a cat will climb your curtains to get at a bug that got into your home. Our pets become our family members, as it should be, but sometimes because of it we forget to be aware of natural instincts.

There are so many people out there that do harm to our four-legged pets (my kids) because of ignorance or just outright cruelty. Those of us who are responsible must be vigilant in making sure that they don’t harm themselves following their instincts, and yes, I, too, have been lax now and then over the years.

There are many, many rescues who have worked with me to help pick up the pieces and this year’s gala for Lennie’s Kids is titled The Rescue Rally, to honor and support all of them. Please come and support me and all these wonderful folks who work tirelessly for the great gift God has given us. The rally will be on Sunday, May 22, from 4-7 p.m. at Tryon Estates in Columbus off Peniel Rd.

Thanks you all for your continued support, my dear friends. We are saving lives.

Thanks for listening.