October 16, 2013

White Dog and The White Dog Army

Wonderful World Wednesday

White Dog looks at the world and sees failure in governments and in the established social network. So much of their mission is lost in politics and budgets and over complications. The White Ones are distraught that so many two- and four-legged are left as “outsiders” or are ignored because poverty and disability and homelessness are unpleasant to comprehend. The White Dog Army and I more and more believe the change, the hope, must come not from the institutions of assistance but from one hand helping another; one paw reaching out to form a global web of grassroots compassion. The question White Dog asks is “Where does it start?”

Pointing out examples of so many everyday heroes who rescue, who volunteer, who give of themselves provides part of the answer. But she impatiently wants to know how to grow those voices, where the thousands of hands needed will come from.

To that I can only clutch her tightly and whisper the prayer I send to the Universe each night. “Our hope is the future, may they be more aware and caring and giving.” And sometimes she and I read articles like this, that in part are a small whisper back…”Believe, change will come.”

Young Oklahoma Boy Reaches Out To News 9 For Help

Posted:Sep 26, 2013 7:35 PM MDT Updated:Sep 27, 2013 10:07 AM MDT

By Kelly Ogle and Amanda Taylor, News 9.com Oklahoma

Every now and then you find one of those kids; one who validates your faith in future generations. Only this time we didn't find him, he found us. And the letter this Edmond boy wrote left us overcome with emotion.

The words, the penmanship are clearly those of a young child, but the compassion and caring speaks of a much older soul.

Tobias, 10, wants to be a pastor himself when he grows up. He says he wants to be an Army pastor, so he can minister to men dying on the front lines.

It's not uncommon for him to write encouraging notes to his hardworking single mom. He brings home good grades and sports trophies. But as remarkable as all that is, that's not why we went to his house.

His big brother, by a year, has been stricken with Cerebral Palsy. Titus can't walk, hear or eat food, but Tobias is determined his brother will get outside, have fun and feel the wind against his cheeks like the other kids do. And that's where the letter to us comes in.

Tobias has already been training for this race, running two miles pushing an empty infant stroller. He's never run the 3.1 miles he'll have to go Friday night, but he won't be stopped. It's about a little boy who has understanding beyond his years.  

And we're so happy to tell you that we contacted Oklahoma Able Tech, and we were there when they delivered a jogging stroller to Tobias and Titus Thursday afternoon, not a loaner, a keeper.

They've been practicing with it and will be at the starting line for their first race Friday night at John Marshall. And you know our cameras will be there too.

There were almost as many supporters out there for the two boys as there were runners. Tobias ran the whole way, and together, the boys crossed the finish line.

And this is just the start. Tobias says he's going to race again with Titus next week. Tobias has also volunteered to be the legs for other children with disabilities who would also like to experience the excitement of running in a real race.