Only One

It only takes one person to make a difference. Sometimes, it even only takes a moment or two, for one person. The secret? Well, there are some people who make it surprisingly simple – they see a need, they do something about it. There is no hemming and hawing, no fussing over details, no hesitation…they just DO IT. I have a friend who has repeatedly done this, both for people and for animals.

Laurie and Daren

Laurie has a heart of gold. Laurie herself has known what it’s like to to experience hard times, and unlike some others – she has never forgotten or stopped caring. Nor has she let anything or anyone stop her from doing something to make a difference. Whenever she hears of someone in need, if there is a way for her to fulfill their need, or even just to make someone’s day brighter, she does so. Whenever she hears of pets in need, Laurie takes action. She has personally helped people who were struggling with rough financial or health woes, by stepping in to bring food and supplies for their pets and offering help in any way she could. When she learned her local food pantry would accept pet food, she began a regular ritual of buying extra when she shopped for her own pets, then dropping it off at the pantry for those with pets. She spearheaded a program for a local rescue group, offering people the opportunity to donate for needy pets through the group or directly to their local pantries.

Last Christmas, I accompanied her on a trip to a business, where the coworkers in the company decided that instead of their usual Secret Santa gifts, they would use the same money and each “gift” it on food and supplies for needy pets. They had contacted her, asking for assistance in delivering that food. It was an afternoon I will never forget. When Laurie and some of the coworkers continually brought to the truck loads of bags and boxes on hand-trucks, then went back in to retrieve more, it was mind-boggling. This was no huge corporation! I wish we had taken photos; by the time the last was piled onto the truck bed, we couldn’t fathom just how much was there. These coworkers, instead of spending money on what would mostly be gifts of frivolous things, had now provided food, litter, snacks and toys for who knows just how many pets who were probably at the moment sitting with growly tummies.  Many were animal lovers with pets themselves, and used this as an opportunity to give that much more. They spoke for a moment about the economy and state of affairs for so many people affected by it; many had thoughts of how it could very well be them. Leaving the office with the truckload, we both had leaky eyes. And after Laurie left the building that housed the pantry, she broke down. The sight of so many people waiting in line for some help for their families was too much for her. I pointed out how much she had just assisted in brightening their holidays, but she still cried.

This Christmas, she learned of a woman who explained how she was struggling, along with young children and two pit bulls she’d rescued. The young woman was hesitant, it was difficult to ask for help; but for the sake of her children and dogs, she had no choice. And knowing the unlikelihood for dogs of that breed finding new homes, this mother certainly didn’t feel she could relinquish them. They were part of the family anyway, it was crucial for the humans as well as the dogs for them to remain.  Laurie and her husband met this mother at a Petsmart, bought a few months’ supply of food and bones, along with a gift card for future use. She didn’t stop there, though; she knew the family was in need as well. She and Daren handed the woman bags of food and a turkey for the holidays – and a big box of toys. Laurie told me the woman cried. I’m sure, once back in the car, my dear friend cried herself. It’s the golden heart thing.

Each month, she has an amount set aside in her budget for animals – for donations to great animal organizations, rescue groups or shelters, food for the pantry, and any other need that may cross her path. When she learns of a need, Laurie does something about it. Each and every one of us has the opportunity to do the same; the amount of money or time spent may vary, but the result of just doing one thing can truly make a difference. Ask anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of Laurie’s dedication to making this world a better place for people and their pets.