The Homeless Guy and His Dogs
Apon walking in with my muddy boots, I noticed this rather unkept looking fellow washing the floor. I apologized as I realized I walked in on his recently washed floor. He said no need to apologize and you should see my place is a swamp. I mentioned I had three dogs and my floors always needed washing as my backyard resembled a swamp at the moment. He then became serious and said, "No I really do live in a swamp and I have my two dogs with me". It was then I looked closer at him and thought he does indeed look like a homeless person. He explained the store manager allows him to make extra cash by cleaning up the place and lets him store his food and his dogs food at this place. He then points out his two dogs and proudly tells me their names..."That's Ed and he's 12, and the other one is Charlie and he's 7". I peer through the window and see the dogs curled up together. "Wanna meet them?", he asked. I feel safe as the mall is busy with Christmas shoppers and the dogs are tied up to two trees outside the coffee shop. I approach the two aged dogs while he proudly shows me their sweaters. The older dog ED is a big sweetheart with a greyish muzzle and wearing a people sweater like that of his cainine buddy. They are both laying on pieces of cardboard and bundled up in their "people sweaters". I am deeply touched how much he cares for them. He tells me he does odd jobs and if I ever need a handy man he can do it but needs to bring his buddies along. I know this will never be possible for several reasons but I'm glad for the brief encounter we had. I thank him for showing me his friends but have to leave as I'm now late for work. I drive away in my rental car and the thought of the $$ I need to fix my aged van which died the other day has momentarily left my mind. Instead, my thoughts turn to going back in a few days and leaving some dog blankets which I purchased for Merlin and Blue, they have plastic on the bottom and have a reversable side with cloth material on the other side. It will prevent dampness from seeping up from damp ground. I purchased them for my van for when I take the dogs for romps in the woods should they get muddy. I think of his aged dogs especially the 12 year old and plan on purchasing some dog food and treats and some for him too. No feeling sorry for myself regarding my van breaking down just before Christmas as by some twist of fate this homeless man has showed me ...when you have some good friends...the rest is just "stuff". Marianne and the boys. |
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Marianne wrote: .....No feeling sorry for myself regarding my van breaking down just before Christmas as by some twist of fate this homeless man has showed me ...when you have some good friends...the rest is just "stuff". Marianne and the boys.
I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I think we're all put in situations in life when its time for the veil to be lifted from our eyes so we can see truth in things. Yours is the true spirit of Christmas. You've been blessed with eyes to see, and with a willing heart to respond. A blessing you received and shared. Thank you! A touching story. May we all see the light and respond as you have, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. God bless all. |
| You are absolutely right Marianne!! That's why I couldn't get too upset over my stolen shopping bag!!! All the "stuff" in the world can't take away from how truly blessed I am to have the family, the health, the home, and the life that I have.
Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!! |
| Thank you for sharing this story. |
| What a touching story, Marianne. The man was probably so grateful to you for taking such an interest in him and his dogs. Giving him the dog blankets and some food is such a thoughtful gesture. You are so kind! |
| Marianne, you really know how to touch a person!!!! I am so proud of you, it makes me want to be a better person. |
| Beautiful story, it's a great thing you are doing for this man and his dogs. |
| Such a touching story. I am sure the blankets will be greatly apprecitated. And the next time your babies get in the van with muddy paws, it won't bother you a bit knowing you helped someone else's babies stay warm and dry.
There is a song that has been going through my head all week. "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me" What a wonderful example you are. Bless you. |
| Perfectly poignant story, Marianne. Thanks for being so willing to share it with us. |
| What a fantastic story Marianne! Thanks for keeping your eyes wide open! It's such a perfect example of why we should!
Thanks!  |
| when i hear stories like this it brings home how lucky we are compared to alot of other people and you realise what you have and how lucky we all are. what a wonderful person you are. |
| A very touching story, Marianne. I believe you were put there to help this man and his dogs. God Bless you for your response.
Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!!! |
| Thank you!!!
Finally someone is talking about the true meaning of Christmas! Everybody take a minute from running around and checking how much random stuff we have to get done and think about this. Merry Christmas everybody! |
| Wonderful story... you are truly an angel Marianne...we are all blessed to know you. |
| You should send this story for the next Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul book, Marianne! |
| Thanks for sharing that. Marianne. It's easy to forget how blessed I am and how many people are out there who truly need help. |
| Thank you for sharing that delightful story and reminding us at any moment we may be asked if we too have the same, unselfish heart. |
| Thanks everyone whom responded. In all honesty I didn't post this story to get accolades. I was so fortunate to have a rescue angel that came through for me, regarding my van. I don't have a dad, brother or hubby whom can help me this this stuff and I knew it was going to cost a lot of $ to fix. My van is so important to get me to and fro my various jobs.
Then it happened the retired guy across the street (without me asking) offered to take it in the shop for me. I had even been embaressed about asking him for a jump start to get my van home from the mall as I wasn't able to reach anyone else at the time. His wife brought me in their house and gave me tea and homemade cookies. For days he spent his own time while I was at work purchasing an alternator and battery, and other things and worked on my vehicle. Several times he made trips to take it to various mechanics whom he knew to get their opinion. He even took it for a diagnostic to check that the engine was okay and wouldn't break down on that lonely country road I drive nightly and am so afraid of. The cost - was a pittance compared to what it would have cost if I hadn't recieved his unexpected help. My sister rented me a car in the meantime and the fellow across the street even paid for the new battery and alternator on his charge card and I paid him back on Friday when I recieved my paycheck. I know these people to say hello to and chat about gardening but am overwhelmed how much they helped me. I'm eternally grateful. If it hadn't been for him I wouldn't have had the extra cash to help Ed, Charlie and their dad. I'm just playing it forward and passing along my good fortune. Even tho I think of myself as quite independent and is a woman that can lay down her own laminate floors I would have really struggled with asking for help. He just took it apon himself to help in a true giving spirit and in turn I can help someone else. It is a humbling experience to be on the recieving end and how the other person reacts has a lot to do with how it makes you feel. If they are doing it at the expense of making themselves look good to others or are very humble about it and the offer is genuine, it leaves the reciever feeling good. Psss you know what's pretty ironic? The old fellow across the street is named Ed too.
Merry Christmas Marianne and the boys |
| Marianne,
It is a touching story. It reminds us that we all belong to this world and how our lives are interconnected to each other. And how important it is to reach out to one another, be it neighbor, family, stranger or one of God’s creatures. Kindness begets kindness. May each of us carry it in our hearts through our lives. |
 What a nice story! Danita says there's always a reason for things to happen, you never know what's in store for you and how a simple event can change things for someone else who's totally unrelated in the beginning.
It's a great thing what they did for you and your van, and that allowed you to help Ed, Charlie and their dad! Who says there are no christmas miracles? |
Very nice story, and good news is always welcome!  |
| It's so odd, when you do a kindness for someone it always returns to you in unexpected ways. Perhaps because of you Marianne, this man will be able to help someone else in need. |
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