8.31.2011

August 31, 2011


White Dog and The White Dog Army
Wonderful World Wednesday


White Dog looked at Quinn as he quoted Nelson Henderson, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” We had been discussing how best to go about measuring your success at making the World more wonderful.

“Most of the time you won’t even know you had an effect,” TOWD continued. “So there is not true measure, like a score, of how much of a difference you make.” “So it is not about success, it is about effort,” White Dog nodded, catching Quinn’s direction. “It is about just going out there every day and adding positive energy and hope and care wherever you can knowing that it will take root and grow and become something magnificent.”

Nuka wiggy wagged as she got caught up, “because you never know what happens after you start the ripple or plant the seed.” “And where the difference is made; where the world becomes a little better may be someplace you do not see or know,” Puff finished.

“We had the chance earlier in the week to very directly be involved in bringing hope,” YoYoMa took up the conversation. “And it feels good to know we made a difference. But sometimes you don’t even know you planted a seed much less that it will grow.”

Every day you pass dozens of people on the street, you sit near others at school or work, and you stand in line at the grocery. Each of those people is potentially sad, or depressed, or lonely, or lost…you just never know. A friendly nod could change a person’s entire day because suddenly they have received a positive exchange. For someone who lives alone your cheery “Good Morning!” as you pass them at the mailbox may be the only conversation they have all day. Stopping to pick up groceries scattered across the parking lot because of a torn bag could prevent a person from going home and yelling at their pups. You don’t see your effect; you can’t measure it on a meter; but it is there.

Sometimes it is the smile of a stranger that brightens the world. Sometimes it is a phone call from a long-absent friend checking on you that shifts the balance from horrid to wonderful. Sometimes a sincere “I hope you find strength” prevents a mugging. ..or a suicide.

It is a fact that non-wealthy households gave approx $100 BILLION last year in donations to charitable causes - 33 times the amount made in grants by the Gates Foundation. The great fiction is that most charitable giving in US comes from the wealthy, foundations and celebrities. In truth, it is a dollar or two or change given by those who must think about the impact of even a small donation has on their family budgets that feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, rescues the animals in need, funds the research for cures… people like us plant the seeds!

It is the little things, the things that every person and pup can do just as a course of their every day routine that make a positive difference. In these times of disenfranchisement, and economic hardship, and isolation, and fear, simple kindness is a magic wand that can connect and give hope…it may even save lives. You just never know. Those seeds will, whether you walk through the forest or not, become mighty oaks that provide shade and comfort and sanctuary well past your immediate impact.

The WDA thanks you for the prayers and seeds of hope you planted for our friends in crisis. Her husband is out of medical danger but will remain hospitalized for a couple of weeks. His recovery will be a long term process and will require strength, determination, and lots of positive healing energy to get through…but there is hope and flickerings of possibility. You have made a difference in this couple’s life…thanks for making the World a Wonderful Place!

17 comments:

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Your words make us smile in a very big way.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Hansel said...

we are thinking of them during this time. We are so glad you were there to comfort her in her time of need. it's a wonderful thing. :) we are proud of you, as always.

much love,
all of us.

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

You guys always seem to bring a smile to the face of others!

:o)

Brian's Home Blog said...

We have been thinking of your friend and I am so happy he is out of danger. We all send many healing purrs to him and many hugs to his wife.

meowmeowmans said...

We love you guys. We really do! Thanks for your always positive and inspiring words. Big purrs and prayers for your friend.

The Daily Pip said...

What a lovely and true post. There have been several moments in my life when complete strangers extended kindness to me and it has made a huge difference. I will always be grateful for these small gestures and I try to return the favor to the universe by doing the same thing for others.

Thanks for a wonderful post!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Your words come from your heart, and I can feel them. How true your words are.
During the weekend- one day a stanger at a store asked mama if she was ok.
It made a big difference in how my mom felt that day- that knowing a total stranger cared.

Your post is beautiful
love
tweedles

Bailey Be Good! said...

Positive energy... I definitely have LOTS of that!

So glad to hear about your friend! Nala and I will continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers! :)

Woofs & hugs, <3

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

Cappy the Eskie said...

Hi Everyone - this is one of Mom's favorite quotes from Buddha: “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

We all think that your family is really lighting up the world with your positive energy.

Hugs and yips,
Cappy and Ollie

24 Paws of Love said...

What powerful words.

I really needed to hear them.

Thank you for that seed of hope.

Paw Prayers for your friend's husband and her family.

Mack said...

We just love you guys! And we're so thankful your friend is showing progress!
Mom always tries to remember the saying" Be nice to all because everyone is fighting some battle".
(But she says at work it is SO hard sometimes)! She's a mess!
Sugars,
Mack

Random Felines said...

That is so very true. We have been the recipient of those small acts and it makes a huge difference. The ones that really make mom smile are from kids - when they come up to adoption events and hand over all their change or donate their birthday money or whatever...you know they have learned it from someone and will be passing it on.

We are glad your friend is doing better and we will keep purring for them.

Remington said...

Great post, my friend....I have missed you....

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Once again very beautiful and true words. I think you are so right. The small things make a big difference. We see it everyday and they also make for a feel good feeling that makes one all warm inside when you see a smile that makes you know a small thing helped.. Hugs GJ x

Sagira said...

We are still sending good thoughts to them.

You always have the most positive posts. :)

KB said...

You are truly an inspiration. I'm happy that your friend is starting the road to recovery.

And, I'm happy to have blog friends like you!r

Anonymous said...


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