First of all, let me apologize for not having a photo this week, I didn’t have the time. I guess you’ll have to use your imagination. I’d like to believe that I’ve stirred your imagination enough over the years.

I’m often asked to make life and death decisions and just the thought of it shakes me to the bones. A few years ago I helped an older Saint Bernard that had been struck by a car.  Big Boy, who is now 15 years old and far beyond the life expectancy for his breed, was again struck by a car and his owner found him in a ditch. They wished to send him to Western Carolina which would have cost my funds thousands of dollars and for obvious reasons I refused. Big Boy was put to sleep on Thursday and though there isn’t anything I could do, it still weighs heavily on my heart.

I received word from the neighbor of my next case, a 6-month-old Pit Bull with a severe case of Parvo. I was told that the neighbor was going to shoot the dog. I offered to have it humanely put to sleep, so if they could get it to the vet, I would okay it.

It really hurts to make these decisions.

Could I have done something else? The question always enters my mind. I try to make the decision that’s best all around, especially for the animal, but even knowing that, it doesn’t make it any easier.

When Dr. Ian Fitch called from Bonnie Brae about a 10-year-old Clumber Spaniel (Gabriel) that may need my help, I silently thanked God for the opportunity to choose life. Gabriel is having some tests done and when the results come back Ian would like to remove the tumor.

“Yes, I will help with expenses for whatever Gabriel needs,” I said. I think Ian was a little surprised when I said, “Thank you for calling me, my friend.”

Thanks for listening.