It Only Takes A Smile

Yesterday, as I was walking my dog, I saw a stray petit black dog. Automatically I was worried.  He had no collar and looked familiar, he looked like another neighbor’s dog.  The dog was located next to the house of a family who recently vacated the building.  I had heard horror stories about the family, who took the week to move out, and carelessly left belongings in the front and back of the home.  Did they leave their dog?  These were both black small dogs, would they have dared to leave him?  I have heard stories of people leaving their dogs leashed or unleashed when they move from homes, so the dogs would not find them, and the family could have a fresh start sans animal.  I was hoping it wasn’t the case. 

            Outside of a hello, I rarely talk to my neighbors, but I found myself purposefully asking neighbors closeby “was this the previous neighbors’ dog?” Both individuals I asked said no, stating this dog belonged to someone several blocks away.  One of these neighbors said she would walk the little black dog back home.  She had once found this same dog, and he escorted her to where he lived.  What an intelligent little thing, but why would owners let them loose on streets that could get busy at times?  She tried to nudge the little young black dog home, but he was playing with my older dog.  He was following us to my home, and to help the neighbor out, we all walked several blocks, and escorted this dog to his rightful home.  We found out he was a three year old boy named Scotty, whose owner was searching for him that afternoon. 

I had only met this elderly neighbor once.  She introduced herself (Rosie) and her dog (Phoebe), when we moved into the neighborhood.  She has had her dog, which is a terrier mix, for three years.  She had found her in the recycling bin years ago, right behind the condo complex.  Phoebe was difficult to get out of the bin, because she kept biting hands that were trying to save her out of fear. With multiple attempts and the assistance of her adult children, they got Phoebe out of the recycling bin.  They cleaned her up and created signs for those who may be missing a dog, nobody claimed her. Rosie realized that Phoebe may have been the pet of a homeless person, as the dog had a strong digestive issue, which appeared to be from drinking contaminated water.  Despite this, they fell in love with her and Phoebe has been in Rosie’s home for years.

Morale beauty is an aspect of awe which occurs when we witness or observe acts of kindness, courage, or strength in other humans that bring a sense of amazement and wonder to us.  I couldn’t help but feel this way for Rosie, who in small moments offers her kindness to these pets who enter her life. I’ve only interacted with her twice, and both times have amazed me.  As we walked little Scotty home, I couldn’t help but think this is what true neighbors did back in the day.  This is what community is, we offer support and watch to each other, and our pets.  

Who in your life brings a sense of awe for the morale beauty they exhibit? How can you offer kindness to a neighbor? Morale beauty isn’t always recognized on the news or talk shows, but it exists all around us if we have the space to look.

Thanks Rosie for the kindness you offer to our neighborhood, and the pets that enter our lives.