By Leonard Rizzo

As the year comes to a close I find myself with six or seven cases that I do not have the time to tell. All four local vets, Landrum, Cloverfield, God’s Creatures and Bonnie Brae have stepped up for my kids. There was one we couldn’t save but is finishing his life at home with pain medication. Sweet Atticus’ cancer was too far gone but we’ll see he is pain free for as long a possible. I can thank all of you and Him whose birthday we are soon to celebrate that the money has been there to help my kids.

 

I will end this year with the tale of Pippa, an old friend’s three-year-old female French bulldog.

When Holly called she was frantic because her beloved little Pippa had suddenly become paraplegic, she couldn’t walk. Holly is a vet tech and it goes without saying that in all other ways little Pippa was healthy. She was hospitalized at the vets and received steroids but it was learned that she needed to see a specialist. I had Holly’s vet call my good friend Dr. Keith Allen at Upstate to set an appointment.

 

The cost for Pippa’s surgery and recovery would be $3,000-4,000. When I learned that chances of successful surgery were very high I okayed the operation. Now, I could never pronounce half the things that were done but I did get down to see Pippa at Upstate. Besides getting photos for this tale I got to see many of the staff who have been there many times for my kids. All the hugs, well wishes and prayers were good for my soul, especially at this time of year.

 

The operation went well and Pippa looked great and by the time you read this she should be home recuperating with Holly and her family.

 

Next week I will be reprinting my Christmas poem “Back to my roots.” I will be taking a small vacation from pen and pad, but you have my word, not from my kids.

 

Next week when I hit my knees in joyful prayer celebrating His birth I will once again recall His words that have embedded themselves in my heart all my life: “What you do for the least of these, you do for Me.” I will tearfully speak for all of us when I ask, “How are we doing?”

 

Thank you, Lord, and thank you all for listening.

 

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