Quiet Kindness

I’ve talked about “Walking the Talk” meaning just not gabbing about issues but becoming active to resolve them. I am big on talking and have not been as active as I feel I should be. During the past 2 weeks I have been focusing on rectifying this by opening myself up to local opportunities for service.


First action was really easy. I placed recycle cans in a park that had none and talked (There I go again with the talk!) to others to do the same in other parks.

Second was the opportunity to be in an anti-puppy mill demonstration, not so easy. I did the demonstration and am glad I did but admit to being a baby about inhaling car exhaust fumes, ugh. I kept telling myself my discomfort was nothing compared to the suffering the dogs go through. I have to say I was surprised that people were supportive giving us a “thumbs up” and asking good questions. Aside from the store owners all were very encouraging and I imagine more will come out for the next demo in 2 weeks. The store owners had their small children, guessing under 10, outside holding up counter signs, did not like that. We never said a word just held signs while the kids screamed at us, yes, we were being the adults. It bothered me that we appeared to be coming up against children but then I thought what kind of parents would do this to their children? In the end I decided that the children’s parents should not have asked them to do this and stood out there themselves. Felt really sorry for those kids.

During the demonstration I got to know the organizer better and was stunned at what a remarkable woman she is and how accomplished. Retired from a big corporation she now fosters animals, works with rescue groups and animal rights organizations full time. She was also part of groups that got the first animal cruelty laws passed in Texas and Oklahoma. In those states she and her groups shut down many puppy mills, illegal stores, and rescued animals from hoarders and abusers. She has led a remarkable life of service which she is continuing into her 70’s.

Now I am asking myself, “How many other great women/people are out there quietly doing good and how do I get to meet them? “ I’m betting there are many, many people doing wonderful work in all of our communities that are not in the headlines or news. I encourage you to search out these people, assist them if you can and be inspired by their quiet service to us all.