Bobby Klein needs the help of his community.

Who is Bobby Klein? Many of you know him from years ago and many of you may know him only from Facebook. Those who have joined the Cajun/Zydeco scene since Bobby exited need an introduction. There are photos of Bobby above, if you click on the arrow at the bottom right of the cover photo.

Back in the day, Bobby played bass with everybody and all of us. He was the bassist for Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, Tete Rouge, and Zydeco Slim. In his earlier years, he played bass for Sonny Rhodes and Charlie Musslewhite. Bobby was smooth on the dance floor. He was a most gracious gentleman in our music scene. He is still the wonderful cook he was back then. Some of you have probably seen the recipes he posts regularly on Facebook. Due to a terribly debilitating, degenerative disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis, Bobby’s spine has fused into a solid column with no joints. His hips and shoulders have fused. It affects his breathing, his ability to use his arms, and his gait. He can stand and lie down. He can’t sit. He can no longer bend at the waist nor move his head around. He is fixed in place. Considering his condition, he is still Bobby, with Bobby’s sense of humor, smarts, AND Bobby’s amazing cooking in his kitchen that has been adapted to his disability. He has a life because he has a good spirit and is determined.

Unable to bend, Bobby cannot go out in the world by car or any other kind of transit. His world has gotten smaller and smaller as his disease has progressed. It has been isolating for him in a big way, but his life is about to change dramatically. On January 22nd, Harry, his service dog, will be arriving. I know a lot of us have been following Harry for 2 years on Facebook, watching his training program since puppyhood.

So, here’s the deal: Bobby will need extra funds to buy the specialized leads and harnesses he will need for Harry. He will need money to buy dog food and dog beds. Bobby has been living meagerly on disability funding and he did his best to put money away for Harry’s arrival. Then, he was the victim of theft and those savings were depleted. I'm proposing that we all come together as a community for Bobby and Harry and do what we can to raise some money for them.

If you don’t know Bobby, check out who his friends are on Facebook. They are most likely your friends as well. They are people with whom you dance and play music. Trust all of us. This is a good cause.