On the Wednesday after I said goodbye to Jewel, Soldier was brought into Landrum Vet to be put to sleep. His tumor had doubled in size and was spreading; he had quit eating and was in obvious pain. There wasn’t anything else that could be done for him and his time with us (though short) was over.

On the way in Soldier was given chicken nuggets and ice cream and I bawled when I heard what the Halls had done for him. Diana and Nick were good parents and no one loved him more than little Lily, who was sobbing uncontrollably in my arms when it was all over. I kissed Soldier’s still body one last time and left, I simply had run out of emotions to give.

I intended to take a break from “Special Cases” this week and just use the time to pray and mourn.

On the following Thursday, I learned of Levy, a 7-month-old brindle mixed breed, who had a blockage in his intestines. Yes, I would help the little fellow.

I received word from Angel at Bonnie Brae that a lady had become homeless and needed help to board her dog while she got herself together. Yes, I would help with the boarding.

Verna Wilkins, the founder of Forever Dream Senior Dog Sanctuary, needed help with Noki, a little 10-year-old terrier mix that was having trouble walking. Okay Vera, send him to Upstate and have them call me and I’ll okay his treatment.

As of today our homeless dog is still being boarded but is safe and cared for till momma can take him back. I have spoken with the doctors at the Upstate Specialists and X-rays and tests have been done on Noki, and the prognosis is good. They operated on him on Saturday and he should be going home on Monday, fingers crossed.

Little Levy’s blockage has been removed and Dr. Boone sewed his intestines back together. Sean (Dr. Boone) told me Levy will be fine and all went well.

I guess God is telling me there is no need to mourn; I have other things to do. Soldier is in good hands and he was loved deeply by all who knew him, but I can’t help it, I miss him terribly. DARN IT, I thought I was all cried out, but a big teardrop just landed on my writing pad.

If you get a chance I have left a big beautiful collage of photos of Soldier at the FHS shelter. Go there and view this magnificent creature in all his glory with his family.  While there, try to visit many others of his kind, for in them beats a heart just like Soldier’s, if you’ll just give them a chance.

Thanks for listening.