I have once again been riding the emotional roller coaster that is familiar territory for what I do. Besides my fight for Soldier, who is having trouble with the radiation treatments, I’ve had two other major cases: Red and Pearl.

I spoke of Red a bit in the previous article, the little Chihuahua, who was shot and we had to remove her tail. Miraculously, no major organs were struck and I recently saw Red’s stitches removed.She is now home and no worse for the wear, thank God.

Pearl is a 17-year-old miniature Poodle who was adopted from FHS many years ago.  Pearl had some hip and teeth problems that I handled from my personal account because she is now living outside our area. All is well with the little girl thus far.

Over the weekend I received the word that one of my precious kids finally succumbed to her sickness. Jewel had at least a half dozen stories printed about her and many angels helping me with her illness.

It took forever to locate Jewel’s problem and thousands of dollars. Jewel was born without cilia, the hairs that catch phlegm in your lungs.

I receive messages almost monthly about one of my kids passing on. My message is always the same, “Unfortunately the good Lord only lends them to us.”

I’ve asked the Tryon Daily Bulletin to reprint “From whom all blessings flow” from November 18, 2011, to give new readers an idea just who, and how special, Jewel was.

I will close with the message received from Brad and Heather Russell.

“Please let Lennie know that Jewel passed away. She couldn’t fight the sickness this time.  She was peaceful and passed at home. We are thankful for her. Thanks for allowing us to have her.”

Thank you Lord for lending her to us, and thanks for listening.

Editor’s Note: the following column about Jewel is reprinted from the November 18, 2011 issue of the Tryon Daily Bulletin. 

From whom all blessings flow

by Leonard Rizzo

Over the past five years or so, a great deal of animals have crossed my path. Most fade to the back of my mind and only come to the forefront when something or someone brings them back to my attention. But there are a select few who have branded their names upon my heart so deeply that a mere memory instantly brings them to mind.

Dear sweet Jewel is, and will always be, one of those animals. Jewel came to my attention in early March when at 3 months old she was sent from the shelter to Landrum vet. The poor pup was having trouble breathing and was thought to have pneumonia.

The Frosty fund that was caring for her ran out of money and I took her on as one of my special cases. Dana Meyer lovingly calls Jewel my $6 million dog. Though we have never found a cure for Jewel, she constantly grows stronger with what we can do for her. Jewel warms my heart and that of anyone who comes into contact with her.

Before I go on I simply must acknowledge all the angels and saints who have been sent my way on her behalf. My wonderful anony
-mous couple that helped with Snowy and have helped greatly with Jewel’s medicine.

Another great supporter, Dr. Robert Jones, who supplies her vitamins and has helped with her boarding.

Josh and Astrid at Dogwood Farms who move mountains and give me every benefit when one of my kids is in need.

All the folks at the vet’s offices and FHS who put up with my antics and demands. Believe me, I am not fun to be around when one of my kids is in trouble.

Jewel has been leaving Dogwood Farms and going home with a great couple whose little Jack Russell simply adores her. I explained that her vitamins and antibiotics will always be available for her and I would cover any visit to the vet they deemed necessary. Josh vouched for the couple’s reliability and it seemed Jewel would soon have a caring and loving home.

I was awash with excitement; Jewel’s welfare has been a daily part of my prayers. Everything was in place and was explained and understood and I could sense the deep love this sweet couple expressed toward my Jewel.

Two days later Jewel was brought to FHS to be adopted, tagged and micro chipped. When this beautiful, happy-faced little girl was brought to the shelter the place was buzzing with excitement, as if royalty was in town. And it was! I knelt to greet her and Jewel gave me her kiss of greeting as I heard Dana whisper, “It’s a miracle.”

As everything was being handled, Emily (Smiley) our new board chief, pulled me aside and asked, “Lennie, what is her life expectancy?”

“God bless you dear,” I answered, patting her cheek, “at this point her life span is indefinite.”  Smiley tearfully nodded in understanding.

The only way I know to thank those who help my kids and me is to sincerely say “God bless you.”

When Jewel was driven off to her new and hopefully long life, I left the shelter and slowly walked around the compound. Huge tears of joy and gratitude fell as I thanked Him from whom all blessings come.

“I cannot thank you, Lord, as I do everyone else for You are the font of all blessings. You knew from the moment You placed Jewel in my care that her life span was indefinite. You sent all those angels and saints in my path to help me make it so. Thank You for the blessings bestowed upon me that I may help in some small way to assist Your beautiful creations. I hope You don’t mind that I call them “my kids.” I have often received great praise for the work I do, and I humbly accept, but I never forget that all honor and glory belong to Him, from whom all blessings flow.”

God bless and thanks for listening.