By Leonard Rizzo

I recently visited J.P. and Judy, the previous owners of Lavender Bistro in Tryon.  They’ve been good friends and loyal supporters of Lennie’s Kids for a long time and I wished to personally wish them luck and happiness on their move to France to be with J.P.’s family.

When I received the news that Joey, their sweet little Maltese, was in trouble at Landrum Vet, I rushed over to console them. I learned that Joey had been bitten by a Brown Recluse spider and all his skin was dying off, which is a symptom. This meant Joey could not go with them to France and a devastated Judy wept in my arms hoping for guidance.

Dr. Raines and I assured Judy that as soon as Joey was well we’d make sure he’d have a good foster home in which to recuperate and then we’d get him on a plane back to his momma and poppa.

We’ve had some excellent news this past week! Joey recovered quickly and very strongly, and although the infected area is still a bit unsightly, he’s been cleared for the trip to France. So, “Bon Voyage!” to my good friends, I’ll miss you.

During the week while this was going on I received a call from Lani at the shelter. A 1½-year-old Chihuahua named Bram had an injury (cause unknown) and his hip joint was out of place. I’d seen this before in larger dogs when struck by a vehicle and I’ve helped more than my share of these animals. It is not uncommon for a Chihuahua’s bones to slip out of place but that is usually a knee problem, hence they shouldn’t be allowed to jump from high places. The fact that it was Bram’s hip tells me that it was probably some sort of blunt force that caused the injury.

I first okayed anything he needed to be handled with Lennie’s Fund and to send him to Upstate if it was called for. The next day I got down to FHS to meet the little fella and the brave little boy greeted me with a wagging tail. I gently held the little guy in my arms and assured him that Uncle Lennie will see he gets what he needs to get better and in the meantime Aunt Lani will help with the pain.

Bram gave me a quick lick on my face and I tearfully whispered, “You’re welcome.”

There is a beautiful little six-pound Havanese that lives in Tryon Estates and his name is Max. Max is so darned cute that if he sits still you’d swear he was a stuffed animal. Max is four years old and he suffers severe separation anxiety. His owners contacted me and pronounced that I’m the only one they trusted to help find Max a good family home that has other friendly animals to keep him company.

A message to Max’s owners, “I haven’t forgotten him, I have excellent people on the job to make sure Max ends in an ideal home.”

I didn’t get to say goodbye to Roscoe, the little black Pomeranian who was recently put to sleep. I was in bed under the weather when the call came and it saddens me that I couldn’t be there. Roscoe was a joy for Ted and Ruth and I’ll always remember how grateful he was to be rescued by them. There is a signed copy of A Voice in the Hills at Landrum Vet in Roscoe’s honor. Please pick it up when you get a chance and perhaps I can see you then, God willing.

I often tease small dog owners by saying, “Two or three more like that and you’ll have a whole dog!” Believe me, these little guys can worm their way into my heart with the best of them. I’ll try to keep you all informed how things have turned out for Bram, Max and Joey; I know sweet Roscoe is in good hands.

Thanks for listening.

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