Working together
Published 11:15 am Friday, February 4, 2011
I’ve often spoke of the large support system I enjoy and thank the Lord it is constantly growing.
There are two equal and important parts to this system, those who assist and those who give, though in actuality they all give.
I was sitting at home going over which animal care bills I had to pay. My personal fund was getting low but I had things covered and was holding my own.
A silent prayer went up, “You’ll be there Lord if I need you,” and then I smiled to myself, knowing the answer.
As I was setting up the next day’s schedule, the phone rang and it was Dana, my number one go to person to place an animal.
“Hi Dana.”
“Hello Len, I have a dog that’s high heartworm positive, can your fund take him on?”
I never question Dana on these matters, I trust her judgment more than my own, so without any of the particulars known I answered, “No problem Dana, but my personal funds are low, if we can handle this through my F.H.S. fund, that would be better. Either way, I’ll handle it.”
“Will do Lennie,” she answered, “and thanks.”
Roscoe is a 4-year-old Shi-Tzu Cocker Spaniel mix who weighed in at 24 pounds. He’s black and white and literally too cute for words. He was turned into Rutherfordton because supposedly he had nipped a grandchild who was playing rough with him. There wasn’t any major damage but this caused the owners to turn him in along with all his bedding, toys and food after four years of ownership. To know this sweet boy and to think of anything vicious about him is almost laughable.
Roscoe was picked up by Chris Hume, a rescuer extraordinaire, who contacted Dana and the wheels were set in motion. I can’t put it anymore plainly than this, if not for Chris, Roscoe didn’t have long for this world.
On Saturday evening I received a phone call from an elderly gentleman who had lost his wife of 64 years this past November. This coming right after another supporter called and said a little something is on the way.
Sidney, the elderly gentleman who was on the phone, agreed to meet me at T.J.’s after mass the next morning. He had a substantial donation for my kids in memory of his dear wife Carla.
After thanks and condolences, we rang off. I then looked up to the heavens and smiled, “That was quick Lord, thank you.”
The next morning after church and before meeting up with Sidney, I ran into Mary, another frequent supporter.
Mary handed me a large bill and said, “I’ve been meaning to catch up to you.”
After hugs, I went over to sit with my wife, “What was that all about?” she asked.
“I guess the Boss is still at work,” I answered laughing.
Literally moments later in walked Sidney. I guess he knew who I was because he came right over to my booth and handed me a large check with a note attached that read, “In memory of my dear wife Carla.” Except for the amount, everything else was left blank for me to use as I wished.
“Please sit awhile Sidney” I said moving over. “Carla loved you and everything you do, she would very much approve of this,” he said as he sat beside me.
“What was her favorite animal?” I asked. “Carla loved cats, she has pictures and statues all over our house.”
“I like cats too,” I replied, “do you think she’d mind if I give a large portion of this to my friend Dana and her Po’Kitties?”
“Oh, she would love that.”
“Good Sidney, consider it done and thank you very much.”
As of this writing Dana has received her check and all else is going well. I wish to again thank my supporters on both ends of the spectrum from me, the Po’Kitties and my new little friend Roscoe.
A special thanks to you Carla, somehow I think you had a hand in helping my prayers being answered.
Thanks for listening.