Serving Others

Every year at Christmas time, we seem to be more willing to give. If only we all had that desire during the other eleven months. I wish I did.

One year, we chose to donate money to Outreach International. It is a wonderful organization that provides "sustainable solutions to help end extreme poverty around the world". This year, we wanted to help those who typically go forgotten: shelter animals.

I have such a passion for animals and it breaks my heart to hear/read stories about how poorly some animals are treated. So, to teach Claire by example, our family gathered some dog food and other supplies and took them to our nearest Humane Society. We dropped everything off and spent an hour or so walking dogs. At first, my thought was that these dogs were probably in great need of exercise so I began to jog. But then it dawned on me, that what they might not be getting is love. So, we slowed down and began petting the dogs and expressed our love for them. I don't know if they felt anything, but I sure did. Claire enjoyed picking out the dogs to walk and helping me carry their leash. She thought it was so silly how they pulled on the leash and wanted to get outside so badly. That is, until one of them pulled her into the snow. :)

 

Cry From a Lonely Dog

(http://www.compassionforcamden.org/cry-from-a-lonely-dog/)

 

I wish someone would tell me what it is that I’ve done wrong.
Why I’ve had to stay chained up and left alone so long
They seemed so glad to have me when I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we’d do while I was growing up.

They couldn’t wait to train me as a companion and as a friend.
And told me how they’d never fear being left alone again.
The children said they’d feed me and brush me every day.
They’d play with me and walk me if only I could stay.

But now the family “hasn’t time”; they often say I shed.
They do not want me in the house, not even to be fed.
The children never walk me. They always say, “Not now!
I wish that I could please them. Won’t someone tell me how?

All I had, you see, was love. I wish they would explain.
Why they said they wanted me, then left me on a chain.

I hope that I can remember the feeling I had that day and commit to more acts of service throughout the year. On a happy note, we witnessed one dog get adopted while we were there. Yay! Hope he has a wonderful life with his new family.