ARE YOU PLAYING YOUR PART TO UPLIFT THE SPIRITS OF OTHERS?

Two days ago I was running an errand and began talking with a stranger in a nail salon. The conversation flowed easily and after some time passed the gentleman confided in me that he had a miserable marriage. He explained that his wife was always mean to him and didn’t want to participate in any fun activities with him. I coached him and tried to help him find some solutions to this very serious issue. I hope that he reflected on our discussion and will eventually take action to bring happiness back into his life. My sincere wish is that I was able to bring a ray of sunshine and fun into his day. He did laugh a lot during our conversation (after we stopped talking about his marriage) and said, “You are so funny!”

What have you done today to brighten someone’s day? It doesn’t have to be a herculean task or cost lots of money. A simple smile can do the trick – it doesn’t cost anything but it is invaluable.

NEW YORKERS ARE INDEED CARING PEOPLE!

Some people may feel that NYC is a city filled with cold, uncaring people. That is absolutely not true! Two nights ago I left a great veterinary lecture and was headed home on the FDR Drive. A few miles into my drive I came to a complete standstill. Some may say that is so typical in NYC but it is rather rare at 8:45 PM. I became very concerned when I sat there for more than half an hour (total time was 2.5 hours) and I observed groups of police officers walking up and down the path along the highway. There were also dozens of police vehicles that sped away on the opposite side of the highway. After listening to a local news radio station, I found out that a cop had been shot right near our location so I said a prayer for his well-being at that time.

A short time later, I began talking with the gentleman in a nearby car about the NY Mets game that was on the radio as I watched a woman climb over the fence that was next to the highway. I guess that she planned to reach her destination on foot (she left her driver behind). In the meantime I had turned off my car to save my gas and an hour later when I turned the car back on to inch forward it did not start. I refused to let anxiety creep into my body as I called AAA but I realized that they could not get through to my car anyway. The man next to me asked if I had jumper cables and I did not. However I decided to see if anyone behind me did.

As I approached cars some of the inhabitants anxiously looked at me and told me they did not have jumper cables. However, I quickly found an angel three cars behind me who told me that he did. I threw my fists up in the air in the middle of the FDR Drive and screamed out “Thank you!” My new friend next to me took my dying cell phone, charged it for me in his car AND maneuvered his car closer to mine in order to allow the jumper cables to reach his battery. When the corner of his car was adjacent to mine the other man attached the cables to our respective cars and my vehicle started! I gave both men huge hugs and kisses filled with immense gratitude. Who says that New Yorkers don’t care about others? I know that we do, we just don’t hear nearly enough stories about the ones who perform selfless acts for other people.

DOGGONE CLONE

We moved from cloning sheep (Dolly was the first one) to cloning dogs. Here is a story about a couple that cloned their dog and they have two of his clones. What do you think about cloning animals or people (when we get to that point)?

cloned dogs

 

NATIONAL VETERINARY TECHNICIAN WEEK

Veterinary technicians are veterinarians’ co-pilots. They help veterinarians perform the duties that keep animals healthy. National Veterinary Technician Week will be from October 11-17. Please give the veterinary technicians that you know a big hug and tell them how much you appreciate them. I know that I will.

Here is some information from the American Veterinary Medical Association about National Veterinary Technician Week and veterinary technicians:

National Veterinary Technician Week

DO YOU NOTICE THE WONDERFUL EFFECT THAT DOGS HAVE ON PEOPLE?

Yesterday I attended an all day workshop. I only attended it for one day but it extended over the course of 3 days. The moderator said that at the end of each day the presenters and people that assisted them were exhausted. So in order to lift their spirits and regain their energy, they spent the time with therapy dogs at the conclusion of each day. I was wondering why I saw a cute little Beagle and a black Lab walking around the grounds!

Do you ever notice the smiles on people’s faces when a dog enters the room? I see this reaction every day when I take my dog, Pappy, to the nursing home that my mother resides in. All of the energy in the place becomes more electric when he struts in wagging his tail. Staff as well as residents scream out his name and squeal with delight as soon as they see Pappy. If I dare to enter the facility alone I see the look of disappointment on everyone’s faces. They immediately ask me where Pappy is and I promise them that I will bring him tomorrow so that I can see those bright, smiling faces once again.