I am so excited about this year’s gala, the Rescue Rally. It seems the closer we get to the event the better I feel. I’ve been told on more than one occasion that my work with the animals is what keeps me going, and I’m beginning to believe it.

Danielle Scruggs and I have worked together numerous times on a rescue, mostly Chihuahuas. Joey, our annual guest at the gala, was a Dannie Scruggs dog. Dannie and her fabulous Goldens are always there for me if needed and I for her when a special case arises.

Recently Uncle Lennie helped heal one of her Goldens that went to a sweet young lady but her tale is too delicate to tell. This is just a message to the young lady: “You are more than welcome sweetheart, and I pray that you and your new companion have a wonderful and happy life.”

The next tale is about Marta, a 1 ½ year old Lab mix, and Patti Peake, whose tireless efforts at rescue at times put me to shame. The same as with Danielle, Patti and I are there for each other whenever the need arises, which is the purpose with this year’s gala.

Marta was found in a Wal-Mart parking lot with a wobbly back end. She was hospitalized at Hinkle’s where Patti resced her. She was first brought to Landrum Vet on Feb. 15, 2016.

She tested heartworm positive and was treated for Ataxia, wobbliness, with antibiotics. She returned on Feb. 29 with a high fever and it was learned she had a ruptured infected uterus, which was then removed by Dr. Boone.

Marta came back again on March 16 with off and on fever and severe lethargy. She was referred to my friends at Upstate Veterinarian Specialist where she was diagnosed with a resistant bacterial liver abscess that was removed at Upstate. She also had a spinal, thank God no infection.

When I met up with Patti and learned Marta’s story I thought, “My God, she reminds me of me.”

On a more serious note, I met this young lady and she is just a joy and sweet as can be. She still has a bit of wobbliness — she was probably born with it — and has begun her heartworm treatment. If you are a very special person, you can contact Patti through Landrum Vet and she just may allow you to give Marta a forever home.

As for me, I already have a loving home, but thanks anyway.

Thanks for listening.