You could see in Kelly Nolan’s eyes tonight at the Bog that there was some sadness, the radiant smile was not quite as radiant as usual, and for good reason. Kelly’s new rescue dog turned out to be pregnant and went into labor yesterday, it was a long and painful day, Kelly’s dog lost three of her five puppies, the Cambridge Vet was able to save two of them. I happened to be at the vet with Red when Kelly came out of the examining room, she looked understandably stricken.

Even by today, the stoic Kelly was working to get past  her sadness – the restaurant and bar at the Bog were jammed.  I knew she had been at the vet all day, they had to finally perform an emergency operation to save the two puppies. “What did this cost you?,” I asked. Kelly smiled, “$1,300,” I put it on the credit card.

She shrugged, and smiled. “What can you do?, I couldn’t let them all die.”

Kelly does not complain, she accepts life with grace.

I thought of all the tables Kelly has to clear and the drinks Kelly has to serve to pay off that credit card bill, and I think I’ll start a private collection to raise some money and help Kelly pay off that bill, we have all been there. If anyone wishes to contribute – no pressure – you can send cash or a check to Jon Katz or Bedlam Farm/Post Office Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

If a bunch of us gather small amounts, we should be able to put a big dent in that bill. I don’t want to do a crowdsourcing campaign, I’d rather it be within the blog community.

Kelly (she knows nothing of this) has been so gracious in letting me take her photos and she is so hard-working and uncomplaining, I’d like to help her out. She is a true animal lover, many people would not have been so generous. And her dog will probably need more medical care.