6.24.2011

Random Acts of Kindness

Small, random acts of kindness may not always seem like much. In fact... these actions may even seem trivial, insignificant, or lackluster... to the giver. 

But for me... these thoughtful gifts... make the world go round. They represent the one thing we could all use a little more of… hope.

Recently, I’ve been extremely blessed by random acts of kindness. If only these people knew just how much their generosity has touched my heart... and the impact they've had on my life.

While I could never fully describe my gratitude in words, this is my lame attempt to express what these things meant to me…

The other day, I was working hard by myself at Lucky Dog. It was a blazing-hot afternoon, and I was trying my best to get all of the dogs taken care of... without passing out from the heat.

So, I went inside, to work in the air conditioning for a bit... when I suddenly heard a loud-ass, weed-eater outside. In that moment, I was pretty confused…

I wasn’t expecting anyone to be there that day. So, I walked outside… and it turns out... my friend, Matt Mathis, was out there, weed-eating the yard. When he saw me standing there, with a puzzled look on my face, he simply said: “I’m here to volunteer.”

It was seriously one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. The act itself seemed small to Matt, but it was huge for me. It was so much bigger than he could know, and it went far beyond the weed-eating itself.

 Yes… the grass here was looking pretty rough... and I just hadn’t had anyone to help me take care of it. But my heart was so touched, because Matt was going out of his way... to help me with something I really needed. He didn’t want credit… he wasn’t even going to tell me he was there doing it.

Honestly, he was planning to let me walk out the door... and see a freshly trimmed lawn... with no bill to pay. Thank God the weed-eater was so loud, because it gave me the chance to say, “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Matt didn’t need to hear those words, but I needed to say them.

Then, later this week, three of my sweet friends, Joy Henson, Maygen Crowe, and Dana Smith, blew me away with their generosity. On their own, they began to promote Lucky Dog Rescue in the Care2 Shelter Contest here locally... something I haven’t had the time to do at all.

On their own... Joy, Maygen, and Dana got together, contacted the local media, and worked to get our community more involved in voting for Lucky Dog Rescue. They had the local news station come out to interview me, got the local paper to run an article about the contest, and set-up interviews for me with radio stations as well.

Also, Joy writes a very popular blog, and she wrote a special post about me, my rescue, and the contest. Joy has written several touching blog posts about me in the past... and her words leave me speechless each time. Joy not only loves and appreciates my work with dogs, but she knows me personally. She’s one of my biggest supporters, and I value her friendship more than she’ll ever know. In this town, everyone loves and respects Joy Henson.

I’m honored to know... that Joy Henson loves and respects me as well.

In addition, Dana started a facebook event, inviting all of the local residents to join, vote, and ask their friends to do the same. Dana is another huge supporter of Lucky Dog. She loves what I do, and she fights for the things my dogs deserve. Her support and encouragement honestly mean the world to me. So, Dana and Maygen started working to promote the facebook event... and the response was truly amazing.

I should also mention that Maygen volunteers her time at Lucky Dog each week. She helps me clean kennels, walk dogs, play with dogs, and on and on. More than that, she and I have the best time laughing together, while we work. Maygen is the bright spot in my day... every time she comes out... and I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her. The dogs all love her, but I think I may love her a little more.

Every time she leaves, I thank her immensely for her help. But she always says, “I’m the one who should be thanking you... for letting me be here.” I freaking love it Every action on Maygen’s part is truly a God-send for me.

There’s another friend who always touches my heart with her kindness, Pippa Jackson of ARF of MS. Yesterday, I was having a rough afternoon, and I sent Pippa a text... to say that I was really struggling. Pippa is an insanely busy woman, but she immediately dropped what she was doing... to call and cheer me up. Throughout our talk, she listened, gave advice, and made me laugh.

In doing that, she totally turned my day around. Pippa does this for me... every single time I need her, no matter what she has going on in her own life.

Sometimes, a simple phone call is all it takes to make a difference for someone, and Pippa proves that to me each time we talk.

Caring, giving people are truly the heart of this world. With all the suffering I witness, sometimes I begin to lose faith in humanity. I’m surrounded by inhumane actions each day. I see the abuse, the neglect, and the indifference… and at times, I wonder if my continued optimism is even warranted.

But then, amazing people go out of their way for me and others, and I’m reminded of the goodness that still exists. Seemingly small... random acts of kindness have the ability to restore my faith in the world... and give back the hope that many have tried to take away from me.

I’d say that’s not “small” at all. That’s huge.

Never underestimate your power to make a difference. Never assume that there’s nothing you can do… everyone can do something. Never forget that even the smallest actions on your part, can change the world... for someone who needs help. You may be their only hope.

*While I couldn’t list all the names here, this post was written for every Lucky Dog Rescue donor, volunteer, foster home, and supporter. Thank you... I could never do this without you.

9 comments:

  1. Great post Ashley! Your soul has touched people and In return they will always surprise you with a random act of kindness : ) I feel the same pain that you do for animals and I know what It feels like to lose hope, without these "angels around us" we lost our shine! Keep doing what your doin darlin, we will be here to pick you up, always! Wishin ya'll a safe and happy weekend. Illinois Love~Court

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  2. Aaah and Gratitude will bring more good things. Great post!

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  3. You gave up so much to give so much. I would go to the moon and back for you if I could. I just hope the small things I am doing help you make an even bigger difference than you're already making. Love you!!

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  4. They say that you can't judge a book by it's cover, and that beauty is only skin deep. Ashley, You throw both of those right out the window. Beautiful, all the way through!!! Thank you for all that you do for them, and congratulations on your new non-profit status. Actually you do profit-every dog you save definitely goes in the plus column.

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  5. Like I told you earlier, you are bringing out the best in us. Your compassion and your selflessness is what makes us want to help you. You have shown us that one person can make a difference! Thank you for being a positive influence in my life. When I leave the shelter I am overwhelmed with happiness because I know that those dogs are loved and taken care of because of you, something they probably would have never had if you hadn't saved them. I know that each and every one of them will find their perfect home because of YOU! They are truly lucky dogs and I am truly lucky to call you a friend! :)

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  6. I joined your blog, post and share to my facebook profile and I'm hoping for more people to join. I live in Connecticut and cannot be "helping hand" for your shelter but I trully admire what you doing. You have a big heart girl and I'm very touched by your post. Keep on going! respectfully, Magda.

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  7. Awesome post, thanks yous go a long way!

    www.twogradstudentsandapittie.blogspot.com

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  8. Great post Ashley. You are a remarkable young woman doing wonderful acts of kindness and making good things happen for the precious animals. So it's easy for people to do nice things for you. Sometimes even just an acknowledgement of a person and a hello how are you today could make a difference in a persons day. Thank you for doing all that you do. Peace to you.

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  9. I think that everything wrote was very logical. However, think on this, what if you were to
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    I mean "Random Acts of Kindness" is kinda plain.

    You ought to peek at Yahoo's front page and note how they create post titles to get viewers interested. You might try adding a video or a related pic or two to get people excited about what you've written.
    Just my opinion, it would bring your posts a little livelier.


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