7.24.2013

July 24, 2013

White Dog and The White Dog Army
Wonderful World Wednesday

White Dog and the rest of the Army well know the difficulties faced by those with autism and other mental disabilities because our Michael, my nephew who lives with us, lives with those challenges on a daily basis. They have experienced through his encounters the pain that comes from rude insults and uneducated judgments. Often, we are amazed at how well he deals with situations that leave us growling and wanting to bite.

It will be a more wonderful world when humans develop more social sensitivity and an acceptance that being different doesn’t take away ANYone’s right to dignity and kindness. The WDA thinks education and highlighting the myriad of examples of the challenged doing extraordinary things goes a long way toward helping to change attitudes. So tonight we highlight a inspirational young man, who happens to have autism, who is working to make a personal difference to not just one, but two important causes: the families of children with cancer and shelter animals. The WDA knows you will agree that no matter what his IQ that Bubba is one of the bright points of hope in the process of creating a better world…

Boy With Mental Retardation Improves Life for Homeless Pets
By Good News Network Monday, July 15, 2013
(Editor’s Note Regarding Headline: I'm not going to correct his own mother, she used the term "mental retardation." I am aware of the practical uselessness and obvious stigmatizing effects. There is absolutely nothing "retarded" about this guy's heart!)

A young man in Tennessee doesn't let autism or mental challenges stop him from living a full life -- and helping others less fortunate to do the same.

After visiting the animal control office to look for a new pet, 15 year-old Bubba asked his mother why the dogs and cats didn't have any toys, beds or blankets. They looked cold and lonely in their cages. He asked if the family could buy the beds and toys. His mom had to explain that they couldn't afford the cost.

"All that day I could see that he had a lot on his mind," said his mother. "Later that evening he came to me and told me he would raise money to help the animals."

He was already collecting aluminum can tabs for the local Ronald McDonald House, so Bubba decided to start crocheting items so he could sell them.

Together he and his mother went on youtube to look for projects and came across a couple made with PLARN  -- plastic yarn made from plastic shopping bags. Bubba started making reusable bags and cosmetic bags, cutting the plarn into strips, tying them together and crocheting with them just like yarn. "Bubba's passion has went above and beyond what I would have ever imagined," said his mom, who helped him set up a website, Bubbasanimalpride.org, to collect donations.

The money he raises buys food, toys, travel cages, pays adoption fees and much more. Every penny raised goes straight to the animals.


Those who know him say Bubba has a heart of gold and a passion for helping his fellow human, too, volunteering his time helping elderly residents and hospital patients. Follow his project on Facebook at BubbasAnimalPride.

5 comments:

rottrover said...

What a great story! Thanks, WDA!!

TimberLove said...

Fabulous, just the story we needed to begin the day!

RA

Random Felines said...

great story - the world would be a MUCH better place if more people were like Bubba :)

Brian's Home Blog said...

We think Bubba rocks!

Wyatt said...

Wonderful story...thanks for making our day :D

Wyatt and family