A few weeks ago, I discussed the upcoming cases I had taken on. The first was Quiver, a sweet, long-haired Chihuahua who needed extensive dental work. Everything went well and the bill of almost $1,000 was paid.

Next came Lady, the sweet stray who was found and kept. I paid a few hundred dollars for the initial exam and blood work; her new owners took care of the spaying and said they wanted to help where they could. The major surgery to correct her enlarged and swollen mammary glands was scheduled for this week and was estimated to cost around $2,000, which I was prepared for.

In between, a smaller case came up. Blessing, an older poodle, needed her annual checkup. I took care of the checkup for about $50, but refused to give her the necessary vaccinations. It wasn’t the money that made me refuse. I’ve helped Blessing before, and if I continued to do so, it would set a bad precedent.

Before I could care for Lady Roscoe, beloved one-year-old Pitty was hit by a car. One of his legs was so badly damaged that it had to be amputated. I told Roscoe’s owners that he would be fine with three legs; I call them Tripods.

“I’ve handled dozens of cases, and all of them have been successful,” I told them. I met the dog after his leg was amputated. “You’re a beautiful boy,” I told him, and his face lit up. Roscoe’s owners scraped together $1,700, and I paid the rest, about $800.

I received an email from Lady’s owners. Although I was willing to cover Lady’s breast surgery at the time, they felt they were unable to adequately care for her financially. They had found a new owner for Lady who loved her and was willing and able to cover all medical costs. They ended the email with these words: “Thank you for all your help. You are the kindest person I have ever met.”

I don’t think I can call this case a failure; all the people who have been involved with Lady since she was found have put her on the right path.

So you see, dear readers, it is just as the great poet Robert Burns said, who inspired Steinbeck to write his famous novella: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

Thanks for listening.

Leonard Rizzo is the founder of Lennie’s Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps sick and injured animals in the foothills, advocates for animal welfare, and works to find homes for pets.