“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’d like you to help make it happen.”
The phone message came in late last month. It was a message from a client asking for some help. Unlike phone calls from clients asking for a bit more time to settle their account, wanting advice about a change of food, or looking for a referral, Aynne was after something a bit different. She wanted a way to make a weekly donation to the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic.
The Doney Clinic offers free veterinary care, pet food and supplies to low income and homeless pet owners. It has been operating its clinic twice a month for more than 25 years at the Union Gospel Mission in Seattle.
Inspiration from a vet visit
The Doney Clinic first drew Aynne’s attention through a notice posted on the board in her Queen Anne veterinarian’s office. She offered to donate some money on the spot and was told the office kept a storage locker for donations. That sparked the idea to begin donating on a regular basis.
In addition to offering assistance to other animal causes including the Humane Society and Best Friends Animal Society, Aynne wanted to do something more local. “I think if you have something you can share, you should” summed up her decision to help. “It’s important to focus on anything that has no way to protect itself.”
There are so many acts of kindness and generosity that go unnoticed each day
Each gesture makes a difference, in some way. It’s easy to dismiss a solitary effort as inconsequential, too small, or meaningless. But to any pet, person or group it touches, that act makes a world of difference. When done without regard for reciprocity, it is a true act of kindness.
How many pets and people will benefit from Aynne’s generosity? Impossible to say, but her phone call changed an idea into action. It’s a generous, spontaneous deed that has been making a difference since the start of this year.
Too often we recognize a need, and get overwhelmed by the enormity of our choices. Not this time. Since the beginning of the year, Aynne has been responsible for sending a case of dog food and a bag of cat food to the clinic.
What can one person do?
Depending on your perspective and choices, nothing, not much, or a world of difference.
What’s your choice?
I e-mailed Aynne last week to tell her how her weekly donations were really making a difference. I had no idea know this article was on the Smiley Dog website, until, this morning, when, I said thanks to the Smiley Dog delivery person. Thank you, Aynne again and thank you Smiley Dog for getting the word out to others who can also make a difference.
Carol D a volunteer with the Doney Clinic.
You’re quite welcome, Carol. This update got posted on our Facebook page as well. I believe it may have nudged some others into action.
Thanks for all the work you do with the clinic as well!