Hi Monika – I have been confronted with that “like” conundrum so many times on different Posts. My default is to “Like” on the basis that I appreciated the issue being presented. 🙂
Pleased to hear it Monika. It means you are alive, well and human. Sad are those who feel nothing with those kinds of images. What a heartless life they must lead.
The second picture touched my heart. I live in Davis where there is a vet school. i think it is wonderful that the students volunteer in Sacramento, the capital of California, helping the homeless pets. http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/clubs/mercer/ Every year they have a coat drive for the homeless pets to keep them warm during the winter. They also offer veterinary care during the year, near the local shelter. This is a charity that is fond to me and I support every year.
It is so nice to hear about vets who go out of their way when necessary, and also about us “regular folk” who support them. We have similar circumstances here. It restores some degree of faith in human nature in a time when so many people think no further than themselves.
Just thinking : two very much loved beautiful dogs, yet living very different lives. Thank-you for reminding us that animals and their humans need our help ALL year long!
On another topic altogether, I saw your comment on Jill’s blog that 2017 was a banner year for breakthroughs for Ray. I had that sense since I’ve been reading you for a while but it was good to have it confirmed. That’s a blessing for sure. When I last visited the San Francisco area, I saw homeless with dogs. Maybe milder temps. In the early morning I also saw restaurant workers provide leftover food for the pups (and homeless) who looked very well cared for. As another commenter said, our area isn’t a place where homeless people can have dogs because of shelter access in bitter weather.
There certainly are lots of problems, and I am not sure what the solutions are… except that if we all do something, no matter how small it may seem, we are going to make an impact.
Thank you for ‘giving voice’ to a subject that is near and dear to me and my hubby’s heart in this and your last post…Yours and Ray’s ‘voice’ make it uniquely your own, yet resonates within all those of the same mind/heart who hear it and stirs all those who will allow it to enter into their heart.
While the problem is vast, really, the solutions are simply: one-step at a time…but there do need to be steps actually taken. Each person – whether displaced or not – makes a difference.
peace
In every city I think. These ‘homeless’ dogs are usually quite well cared for. It is the people who need more help. It’s a sad fact that they are mostly only thought about at this time of year.
It is sad indeed because all the problems we hear about at this time of year, do not magically resolve themselves on January 1st. The current aggressive advertising for children’s toys is admirable, but it is shameful that “commerce” and “the media” do not maintain that level of enthusiasm to help those same children’s parents (and others) who are currently living at a poverty level).
I hear you. I see this too, when I go to town here and when I’m able, I use to support best possible and I’m not rich at money, but we can all do a difference.
That is the whole point isn’t it. You do not need lots of money to make a difference. A simple gesture of recognition (affirming that they exist) costs nothing but a few moments of time. A cup of coffee on a cold day cost very little. Even providing food and shelter for a street teen costs only a little more than a Starbuck’s coffee. Is it really difficult to accept giving up a coffee or two every month in order to help others?
For me not. In the beginning of my time in this town, I looked at these people to try to check, if they were abusers or just homeless people. I don’t wish to support abuse. So I started up buying dog food for their dog and gave them this, when I went out of the shop, they have placed themselves in front of.
Later I found out, whom of them were real homeless and whom were abusers. I buy either dog food or human food to the abusers and give money to the homeless, when I’m able to.
You are absolutely correct. A cash gesture may well be just supporting an addiction. I rarely give cash for a meal or a coffee. I would rather ask them what they would like, and then get it for them, or just simply show up with a “meal deal” from McD (e.g.). There are many responsible and valid options, but to do nothing is just plain sad.
Huge contrast and sadly, our dog lives a more comfortable life than many people. We don’t see many homeless people with dogs in our area, our cities and towns aren’t necessarily that dog-friendly and for a homeless person having a dog may limit their access to shelter, etc.
As a society, we have so much to answer for. Ray too lives a life of luxury compared to many people here (Toronto area). I recognize that and, as a result of a frugal yet comfortsable lifestyle, I do support a number of local charities. Whether we focus on issues at home, or in other countries, just a small regular contribution will make such a difference.
I couldn’t agree more, with so much wealth there must be some way of helping those in need. I’m not going to stop spoiling my dog however I also support a couple of local charities and believe that every little bit helps.
I hoped it would be. Perhaps Christmas is an opportune time to dwell on our very good standard of living, and acknowledge that well over half of the world falls well below us? Perhaps, instead of complaining about the cost of food, daycare, public transit, taxes etc., we could appreciate what we have? Perhaps, just perhaps, instead of contemplating a bigger home, an additional car, replacing the outdated furniture, modernizing the kitchen etc., we could put at least some of that money towards raising the standard of living elsewhere in the world. A fresh water well, so the current practice of sharing the river with the livestock is not necessary, is not a huge investment in many countries. Likewise it does not cost much to subsidize rehabilitation of a homeless teen…. and there are so many other possibilities.
Hi Hester! You got this lengthy response only because your Comment was the first one against the Post! Please don’t take it personally! 🙂
I’m in total agreement with you, Colin. I live in Africa, remember? I know how just a little bit of effort and input can change peoples’ lives for the better. But I also know that those same people must, at the same time, be educated to manage the resources provided to them and not to abuse these gifts for personal gain or to fill the pockets of corrupt leaders.
Hi Hester. That is exactly why I support specific organizations here (like Covenant House), because they go beyond a “handout” and focus on whatever is necessary to get young people off the street, and counseled/trained/educated as necessary to give them an opportunity for a life where food/shelter/income are not problems and where their self-respect is developed.
It seems all wrong to ‘like’ a post that shows life’s ugly reality. Sadly that second photo is a scene too often seen and not just at Christmas.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Monika – I have been confronted with that “like” conundrum so many times on different Posts. My default is to “Like” on the basis that I appreciated the issue being presented. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine too. And those kinds of images and what they signify break my heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleased to hear it Monika. It means you are alive, well and human. Sad are those who feel nothing with those kinds of images. What a heartless life they must lead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heartless and clueless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The second picture touched my heart. I live in Davis where there is a vet school. i think it is wonderful that the students volunteer in Sacramento, the capital of California, helping the homeless pets. http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/clubs/mercer/ Every year they have a coat drive for the homeless pets to keep them warm during the winter. They also offer veterinary care during the year, near the local shelter. This is a charity that is fond to me and I support every year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is so nice to hear about vets who go out of their way when necessary, and also about us “regular folk” who support them. We have similar circumstances here. It restores some degree of faith in human nature in a time when so many people think no further than themselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just thinking : two very much loved beautiful dogs, yet living very different lives. Thank-you for reminding us that animals and their humans need our help ALL year long!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
The second picture tugged hard at my heartstrings. One of those “A picture says a thousand words moments!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
On another topic altogether, I saw your comment on Jill’s blog that 2017 was a banner year for breakthroughs for Ray. I had that sense since I’ve been reading you for a while but it was good to have it confirmed. That’s a blessing for sure. When I last visited the San Francisco area, I saw homeless with dogs. Maybe milder temps. In the early morning I also saw restaurant workers provide leftover food for the pups (and homeless) who looked very well cared for. As another commenter said, our area isn’t a place where homeless people can have dogs because of shelter access in bitter weather.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There certainly are lots of problems, and I am not sure what the solutions are… except that if we all do something, no matter how small it may seem, we are going to make an impact.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for ‘giving voice’ to a subject that is near and dear to me and my hubby’s heart in this and your last post…Yours and Ray’s ‘voice’ make it uniquely your own, yet resonates within all those of the same mind/heart who hear it and stirs all those who will allow it to enter into their heart.
While the problem is vast, really, the solutions are simply: one-step at a time…but there do need to be steps actually taken. Each person – whether displaced or not – makes a difference.
peace
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Laura. Your last paragraph reminded of the starfish story:
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In every city I think. These ‘homeless’ dogs are usually quite well cared for. It is the people who need more help. It’s a sad fact that they are mostly only thought about at this time of year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is sad indeed because all the problems we hear about at this time of year, do not magically resolve themselves on January 1st. The current aggressive advertising for children’s toys is admirable, but it is shameful that “commerce” and “the media” do not maintain that level of enthusiasm to help those same children’s parents (and others) who are currently living at a poverty level).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, this is it exactly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear you. I see this too, when I go to town here and when I’m able, I use to support best possible and I’m not rich at money, but we can all do a difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is the whole point isn’t it. You do not need lots of money to make a difference. A simple gesture of recognition (affirming that they exist) costs nothing but a few moments of time. A cup of coffee on a cold day cost very little. Even providing food and shelter for a street teen costs only a little more than a Starbuck’s coffee. Is it really difficult to accept giving up a coffee or two every month in order to help others?
LikeLiked by 1 person
For me not. In the beginning of my time in this town, I looked at these people to try to check, if they were abusers or just homeless people. I don’t wish to support abuse. So I started up buying dog food for their dog and gave them this, when I went out of the shop, they have placed themselves in front of.
Later I found out, whom of them were real homeless and whom were abusers. I buy either dog food or human food to the abusers and give money to the homeless, when I’m able to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are absolutely correct. A cash gesture may well be just supporting an addiction. I rarely give cash for a meal or a coffee. I would rather ask them what they would like, and then get it for them, or just simply show up with a “meal deal” from McD (e.g.). There are many responsible and valid options, but to do nothing is just plain sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, to do nothing is very sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Huge contrast and sadly, our dog lives a more comfortable life than many people. We don’t see many homeless people with dogs in our area, our cities and towns aren’t necessarily that dog-friendly and for a homeless person having a dog may limit their access to shelter, etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As a society, we have so much to answer for. Ray too lives a life of luxury compared to many people here (Toronto area). I recognize that and, as a result of a frugal yet comfortsable lifestyle, I do support a number of local charities. Whether we focus on issues at home, or in other countries, just a small regular contribution will make such a difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more, with so much wealth there must be some way of helping those in need. I’m not going to stop spoiling my dog however I also support a couple of local charities and believe that every little bit helps.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What contrasting emotions are triggered by those two pictures!
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Indeed! Hopefully it will cause some people to have contrasting thoughts. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very touching
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hoped it would be. Perhaps Christmas is an opportune time to dwell on our very good standard of living, and acknowledge that well over half of the world falls well below us? Perhaps, instead of complaining about the cost of food, daycare, public transit, taxes etc., we could appreciate what we have? Perhaps, just perhaps, instead of contemplating a bigger home, an additional car, replacing the outdated furniture, modernizing the kitchen etc., we could put at least some of that money towards raising the standard of living elsewhere in the world. A fresh water well, so the current practice of sharing the river with the livestock is not necessary, is not a huge investment in many countries. Likewise it does not cost much to subsidize rehabilitation of a homeless teen…. and there are so many other possibilities.
Hi Hester! You got this lengthy response only because your Comment was the first one against the Post! Please don’t take it personally! 🙂
LikeLike
I’m in total agreement with you, Colin. I live in Africa, remember? I know how just a little bit of effort and input can change peoples’ lives for the better. But I also know that those same people must, at the same time, be educated to manage the resources provided to them and not to abuse these gifts for personal gain or to fill the pockets of corrupt leaders.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Hester. That is exactly why I support specific organizations here (like Covenant House), because they go beyond a “handout” and focus on whatever is necessary to get young people off the street, and counseled/trained/educated as necessary to give them an opportunity for a life where food/shelter/income are not problems and where their self-respect is developed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like an excellent project.
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I believe so. Link below if you are interested in reading about them.
http://www.covenanthousetoronto.ca/homeless-youth/Home.aspx
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Thank you
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🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person