Last week I spoke of beautiful Snowy, the Argentinean Dogo and brought it to a conclusion as best I knew how. Since then, circumstances have changed and I feel I must tell the rest of the story.

After Dr. Angel Mitchell and I spoke of what could be done for Snowy’s leg, her X-rays were sent to Upstate Veterinary Specialists for a further diagnosis. On Thursday, before heading to Bonnie Brae’s to check on Snowy and learn of the prognosis, I went to visit my good friend Randy Grobe to learn what he thought of her.

When I entered the Frog and Swan, Randy took one look at me and blurted out, “Oh, Lennie, she’s absolutely beautiful.”

“She’s sweet, too, isn’t she?” I replied, laughing.

After we discussed her care and how we’d coordinate to help find her a home, I started to leave and head toward Bonnie Brae. As I was leaving, Randy said to me what he always says to me for all the years I’ve known him, “Behave yourself.”

At Bonnie Brae’s I immediately went in to see Snowy and coaxed her out for a little walk before seeing Angel. I learned from the staff that she’d been eating fine and was doing her business on leash, which highly pleased me. I also learned that each and every staff member was thoroughly smitten by my girl.

After our walk I placed Snowy back in her cage and spoke with Angel. Snowy’s X-rays were back up as we spoke.

“Hi, Lennie,” Angel said, smiling.

“What’s up, Doc?” I replied.

“Upstate believes she is suffering some discomfort and will experience pain a lot sooner than we thought. Dr. Allen believes he can straighten her leg,” Angel went on, “but it will be very expensive.”

“How much?” I asked.

“$3,000,” Angel replied.

“I only have around $2,800 in my fund right now, if I give them most of it would they accept payment?”

“If you do this, Lennie, think of all the other animals you won’t be able to help,” Angel said.

Angel was right of course, she was looking at the bigger picture. I had been in this position before where thousands of dollars have been spent and there were two that I recall I couldn’t save, but I tried. I ran things through my mind and concluded that one of three things would be Snowy’s fate: She lives her life in pain and discomfort, we quietly put her to sleep or I fix it.

In my heart the first two were not an option.

“Let’s set it up for her,” I said “But I may need some time to pay Bonnie Brae’s.”

“No problem,” Angel said smiling, deep down I think she knew what my answer would be.

“God bless you, Lennie,” the staff called out when they learned what I was doing.

“Cut it out,” I replied, holding back my emotions, “You just take care of our sweet Snowy.”

The next two days were a whirlwind. I set up an appointment for Snowy with Dr. Allen in Greenville’s U.V.S. I called the shelter and Paula graciously agreed to handle my shift in the morning. I went back to see Randy to give him the news and he agreed to handle Bonnie Brae’s bills if I’d handle the operation.

Upon leaving I beat him to the punch, “I’ll see you later, old friend, I promise I’ll behave myself.”

I picked up Snowy at 7:30 a.m. the next morning and Angel handed me all her paperwork and wished me luck. I was in a hurry to leave, I had an hour to get there and I was concerned about traffic.

Snowy was great in my car as I reached back and patted her every chance I could. I arrived with 10 minutes to spare and I took Snowy for a little walk before entering. By now Snowy had completely stopped shaking and had given up her trust to me.

Inside I filled out some papers, weighed Snowy, then waited to be called. I took Snowy’s face in my hands and said, “I hope you don’t hold this against me, girl, I’m just trying to fulfill my promise.”

With that she licked my face and I laughed, “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

In a few minutes we were brought in to see Dr. Allen. After the initial greeting, Dr. Allen was all business as he began explaining what would be done for Snowy. I interrupted him, explaining how much I had in my fund and where the money comes from.

“If I wrote you a check for $2,500 today, could I finish paying the bill as I raise the money?” I asked.

“$2,500 would be just fine, Mr. Rizzo. I think we could do it for that amount.”

From that point on I had trouble following what he was telling me because I was too filled with emotions and gratitude.

Around 4 p.m. on Friday, Dr. Allen called, “The operation went beautifully, Mr. Rizzo. Her paw is turned so it will lay flat and we’ve straightened her leg bone.”

“Thank you so much, doctor you do God’s work,” I replied.

“You do, too,” he went on, “I’d like to keep her over the weekend and we’ll call you each day and give you her progress.”

I’ll conclude by leaving it up to all of you – the decisions I made for Snowy and the cost involved – tell me, was I right or wrong?

Thanks for listening.

On another note: Mark and Drenda (Michelle) Brennan from Highway #9 in Campobello are now the proud owners of the 42” Panasonic flat screen TV raffled off for “Lennie’s Kids.”

Many thanks to all the wonderful people and establishments who helped support this cause. There are far too many to list but you all know who you are. If I may, I’d like to acknowledge just a few who went above and beyond. Gibbs Welding, Tryon Estates, Head to Toe Salon, my brethren at the Red Cross and of course the super star, Terry at TJ’s Cafe. Also to two individuals who pushed tirelessly to assist, Jeanette Larsen and Joe Hill.

Approximately 1,700 tickets were sold and because some gave even more than the value of the ticket, nearly $3,000 was raised for my fund, after expenses.

I am always overly optimistic and 3,000 tickets were bought, so I still have 1,300 left. I have decided to sell the remaining tickets for $1 each and have a 50-50 drawing at TJ’s on Father’s Day at noon.

The winner will receive half the money raised and the other half will go to help “Uncle Lennie’s Kids.” Each Monday at TJ’s I will post how much money is in the pot and I will personally kick things off with $50 of my own personal money. Once again, my deepest gratitude for all your support. I am deeply humbled and know that each animal I assist has your stamp on it. Join in and have fun.