Over the past two to three weeks I have been working on some pretty severe cases. For reasons you must trust me on, these stories cannot be told. The vet involved nor the breed of the animals can be revealed. Both  animals were quite young and both in life threatening situations. The first has pulled through, and minus a limb, is now spreading joy to a loving family who has taken it in.
The second is touch and go as of this writing, but hopes are high and  competent folks are on the case.  Because of these and others I am constantly working with, my personal fund is dangerously low.  I will not be able to host a major fund raiser until late spring or early summer, till then I’ll just keep my fingers crossed.
The photo above is of my sweet Bowser, who has graced these pages more   than I would like. He’s been looked at and rejected, too old, he’s nearly 5.  He then was adopted and turned back because he was chasing horses and nipping at them. They loved him but didn’t know how to control the situation. I have seen Bowser with people and other dogs and he is marvelously sweet. What I failed to recognize is that Bowser had spent his early years void of discipline and correction, at least properly administered.  Thus I spoke to the dear people who really cared for Bowser and explained that it was entirely my fault that they should not feel it’s their fault.
I then enlisted Kayla for some extra training and gave her a fee from my personal fund. “Kayla,” I explained, “though he is now a humane society dog, this boy is personal to me.”  Kayla, bless her, did a fantastic job working him at the shelter and at her home with her own dogs and horses.  He made the same mistakes but quickly learned, under her tutorage.  “He is really sweet,” Kayla told me, “and is fully cage trained if need be.  He actually likes going in when asked.”  Again Bowser was adopted and returned, get this, because he is too clingy!  We were all amazed at that one.
Bowser is the  reverse of many of the dogs  I deal with.  His problem is not giving up the trust, he trusts and will go with anyone who shows him the slightest bit of attention and love. He’d certainly stop being too clingy once he was in a secure loving home. How do I know? At the moment I have eight animals at my home who are too clingy.  I wouldn’t want it any other way.
This week during church services, among other things, I prayed for some help for my kids. Upon leaving, my wife Elaine, moved ahead of me as I usually get caught up speaking to many parishioners who are both friends and supporters.
I noticed Elaine circling back with a parishioner who every now and then seeks me out.  “This is for your kids,” she said, handing me $20.  “God bless you,” I replied embracing her.  I turned back and looked at the cross, “That as pretty quick Lord, thank you, we’re on our way.”
Thanks for listening.