Acts of Random Kindness to You

We have had the good fortune recently to meet Cheryl.

Cheryl was our new pug’s foster mom for a few weeks. What makes Cheryl amazing is not her genuine interest in animals, but that she puts action to her beliefs. Cheryl has an assortment of dogs at her house. Some are hers for life. Many of her personal pets have every sort of disability you can imagine, yet they seem very happy and content. She saved many of them from sure death in pounds or the hands of people that could not and would not keep them. Then, there are the foster dogs. These are dogs that need a furever home like our Harley, but until then they will be treated very well and just like family at Cheryl’s house.

Nothing is too much for any of these dogs. If they need medication or to see a vet then Cheryl sees to it. Maybe they need special sleeping arrangements or to be separated from other animals, then she finds a way to make them at home and as comfortable as possible. She pays for endless things such as spaying, shots, and other needs not to mention food and transportation.
Cheryl is one of a kind. She not only gets nothing monetarily from doing this, but she ends up spending a great deal of her own money on dogs that could head out the door any day. For her, it is a true labor of love. People like Cheryl don’t come along too often, but you know them when you meet them because their kindness shines through.

Kindness comes in all forms and it isn’t just about being kind to other people. If you meet someone like Cheryl, throw a bag of dog food or a gift certificate their direction if you are able. They will appreciate it and so will the animals that they care so much about. You can never be too kind and Cheryl is a fine example. Not only do we now have a beautiful pug, but a new friend as well.   Kindness does matter.

Well, we have a beautiful new family member or will have her as soon as she is spayed. Harley is a 14 month old fawn colored, AKC registered pug that weighs in just over 16 pounds and is as sweet as she looks! We were so excited to find her and can’t wait to have her home. Since discovering her earlier this week, we have visited her twice at her current foster home. The foster mom, Cheryl is an amazing lady with a heart as big as you could imagine. She not only has been helping Harley find a new home, but has countless other dogs just hanging out waiting for the right people and if they aren’t found, then they stay with Cheryl in quite a nice little setting!

Stay tuned for more posts and pictures of Harley as our journey begins. Nothing says kindness like a nice, new, lovable pug! I have wanted one forever and now my dream has come true!

This week is Valentine’s Week. It should not catch anyone by surprise considering the things were out in the store far before the Christmas holiday was even a memory. However, one of the best things in my mind about Valentine’s Day is it is a chance to spread a little extra love. It isn’t about the chocolates, flowers, and other gifts although those are all nice; it is about the kindness and generosity in the air on this special day.

Many people think that in order to enjoy Valentine’s Day, you have to be part of a couple, but love comes in many forms. Spend some extra time with an elderly relative, take those nieces and nephews for a night so their parents can go out, call a friend that you know is alone or think of something completely different to do to show love.

Love is a great thing, but never forget that it comes in more than simply the romantic form. Remember to love yourself first and then look for ways to love others. Still not sure what to do on this holiday? I am sure that there are many volunteer opportunities in your community that would “LOVE” to have you.

Take some time and spread some kindness to make the world a better place ! Most importantly, Happy Valentine’s Day !

As I flipped through the channels last night, one of my favorite movies in the whole world was just ending. As you can probably guess from the title of this post, it was The Wizard of Oz. I watched the last few minutes of it where Dorothy clicks her heels and wants to be home once again.

Sometimes, life’s journey takes us away from that one place we consider home. I know for me, the one thing that was able to take me away was meeting Tom. I loaded up my stuff, quit a good job, and waved goodbye to everything I knew. However, three years later almost to the date, I was back home again.

For me, home isn’t a building, it is a community that is filled with familiar people, places, events, and yes at times even some really strange occurrences.  It is seeing the place I first went to school and getting ice cream from the same ice cream stand that I did years ago. Home is the place I fought with my brothers and then kept their secrets from my parents. Home is where I rode my first horse, drove my first car, and danced at my first prom.

I am fortunate in that circumstances allowed me to return home and in that I have a husband that was willing to move to this tiny town where he knew nobody if that was what made me happy. Sometimes, I wish I had more money and then I look around me and see how very rich I already am. I would love to hear what home is to you even if for some reason you have to be away from it for awhile.

Valentine’s Day is here again and for many, that means all kinds of material goods. It also means that some people will feel sad or left out of traditional Valentine’s Day couple activities. It doesn’t need to be this way. As a matter of fact, make it another day to spread some extra kindness or cheer.

Take 30 minutes when you head home from work and visit an elderly or disabled person you know. Drop them off a few homemade cookies or even a handmade valentine card. In the same time it takes you to watch one television show, you could e-mail an old friend or call your parents, siblings or other family member just to say hello.

For me, Valentine’s Day isn’t about money or even about being part of a couple which I am fortunate enough to have an amazing husband. Instead, it is about loving everyone and being kind. Imagine actually making someone else’s heart grow on this day. Don’t worry if they aren’t expecting it, that is what makes it even better.

I challenge all my friends, family, and readers to LOVE A LITTLE DEEPER and make the world a kinder place on the 14th. Happy Valentine’s Day !!