I once again wish to apologize for missing last week’s column. I’m afraid it may happen more often than usual due to illness and old age. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I have dialysis, with Tuesdays and Thursdays put aside for cardiac therapy. Nurses and therapists have come to my home but soon I’ll have to go to Pardee for a three-month regimen. Because of all of this I have been delegating much of my caseload to the many rescuers in our area, or helping them whenever and wherever I can. I am still doing as much hands-on as possible and believe me, I miss spending more time with my sick and injured kids.

I brought many rescuers with me when I spoke at Kiwanis recently. I am trying to get many of these organizations to realize the value to a community that adopting pets has. 

I’m also trying to get more children involved with rescuing and volunteering; they will grow up to be better people for it.

In and around our communities there are many pockets of people who have a sparse and indigent way of life. I am not, nor will I ever look down upon these people, it is a lifestyle that has been handed down for generations. Unfortunately, the pets that these people acquire often suffer though they are loved. I’ll say it again, “Love is not enough.” These pets never see a veterinarian and the thought of spay and neutering is as foreign to them as space aliens.

The purposes of my columns are two fold: one is to raise money, which is always needed, and secondly (just as important) is to educate. Sad to say many people feel that “if I don’t see it, it’s not happening.” These are the first people to complain when a problem they’ve turned a blind eye to lands on their doorstep.

For the past few weeks I’ve been telling the story of a family overwhelmed with animals that needed help. Bobbi Shannon, one of the rescuers that didn’t make it to Kiwanis, called me for help. We have worked together for years.

I will now list the animals removed and brought to Landrum vet along with their ailments and what is happening:

Jara, a 12- to 13-year old Boxer-Pit had been living in a cage and is high heartworm positive. Tanner, a 1-year-old Boxer mix is also high heartworm positive. Ginger, a 2-year-old Lab, two Beagles ages 10 and 4, heartworm positive, three Beagle pups and a momma cat with five kittens about six weeks, all needed worming. Most of the animals were full of fleas and ticks and had skin allergies.

I left $2,500 at Landrum Vet to pay for tests, meds and boarding with the promise to handle whatever else may be needed. I asked that Jara, the sweet old Boxer-Pit mix be put to sleep, a very difficult thing for me to do, but I couldn’t bear her living in a cage any longer while we tried to find a home for her.

One of the new staff members named Leah at Landrum vet took the three Beagle pups home, nursed them and found them all homes.

Joan a wonderful Beagle rescuer took the 4- and 10-year-old, so they are in the best hands they could be in. I’m always there if she needs me, but on the contrary, Joan is a contributor to Lennie’s Fund  (bless her heart).

Tanner, the 1-year-old Boxer mix is still at the vet. Ginger, the 2-year-old lab was brought to Pet Tender Angels by Lori Jewel. Lori (bless her heart, also) took Jara, the 13-year-old and told me she could live out her life in her house. I gave $1,000 for Jara and Ginger’s care.

The momma cat and five kittens are not ready for adoptions but my dear, dear friend Dana Meyer from Po’Kitties, along with the P3 ladies, have taken control and will post them and find them homes when they’re ready.

One day when I finally answer the Lord’s call, I’ll feel secure in knowing that my kids have been left in the most loving and caring hands I could find.

Thanks for listening.