Last week’s column was an example of why many cases are not told,

but tucked in the middle was Ernest, whose tale I promised to tell.

Ernest is a 1-year-old Boxer-Pit mix stray who was brought to Foothills Humane Society with injuries, possibly struck by a car. Limping and in obvious pain, he was sent to Landrum vet for x-rays and an evaluation.

The brave little guy was thumping his tail as if pain was just part of life.

“I’ll trade it for whoever will love me,” it seemed he was saying.
I sat in his cage and allowed him to climb on my lap as I loved him up and spoke to him.  “Aunt Lani sent me to check on you Ernie. I’ll do all I can to help you get better,” I told him, giving him my customary kiss between the eyes before I left to take care of other business.

Late that afternoon I got back to Landrum to walk Soldier and check with Tommy Maiolo on Ernie’s status.

“Lani’s trying to reach you,” Tommy said, “He has an older injury higher up that I don’t think should be touched and a deep fracture in his right femur that needs a specialist attention.”
“Where is he now doc?” I asked.
“Sweet dog,” Tommy answered, “we sent him back to the shelter with pain meds.”

Off I went to the shelter ad after visiting Ernest to reassure my promise, I spoke with Lani.

“He needs help Lennie; do you have the funds to send him Upstate?”

“I think so Bulldog, call Kathy Toomey to make sure and then have the x-rays sent to Dr. Allen, Tommy says it should be done soon.” “How much do you think it will cost?” Lani asked.
“Probably $3,500 to $4,000 if past experience is any judge. One more thing Lani, I’m super busy, a staff member or a volunteer will have to take Ernest if all is approved.”

I received calls from Kathy Toomey, FHS and Upstate specialists informing me that Ernest was scheduled for the operation at 10:30 a.m. I met with Pete and Zelda Howell at 8 a.m. and thanked them for taking Ernest to the specialists.
“No problem Lennie, it’s an honor to meet you and to help with one of your cases.”  After hugs I helped them get Ernest into the cage, giving him a kiss for good luck. I then handed them an envelope to give to Dr. Keith Allen.