Today, We Remember…

Sixteen years ago our country was changed forever.

Today, I want to take a moment to remember those who lost everything in the tragedies of 9/11. Many people lost their lives and loved ones, and nothing will ever be able to heal those wounds. Today, I want to honor every rescuer (both dog and human), doctor, nurse, soldier, and family member who was directly affected by the tragedies of this day.

My heart goes out to you…

…we will never forget.

Helping Others

Leading up to today, I have been thinking about first responders. Those who risk life and limb to rescue the loved ones of other people, and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by gratitude for their selflessness. Especially because, as many first responders did sixteen years ago, there are many more first responders saving people across the country who have been affected by the recent hurricanes and wildfires.

As I began thinking about how to honor first responders and those who have fully experienced the tragedies of not only 9/11, but of the many others since then, I began to compose the following list in my mind of things we all can do to help.

Donate

The first may be the most obvious, but of course, we can donate to the many organizations putting together relief efforts for the current hurricanes and wildfires. Whether you are donating to organizations to help humans or animals, any little bit can help provide more resources and support to those who need it.

Organize & Join

Many local groups are organizing relief efforts. If your local area hasn’t yet done so, you could lead the charge! Or, you can join in the efforts of others. Many animal organizations are putting together efforts to relieve the local shelters and rescues affected by natural disasters. Other local organizations are putting together items to help people recover. In some cases, you may have these extra items already in your home!

#TXRescueMission This weekend, Muttville welcomed several senior dogs transplanted from TX. Founder Sherri Franklin flew Sunday AM with other SF animal rescue partners, The San Francisco SPCA, The Milo Foundation and MAD Dog Rescue to deliver supplies and bring back animals from the TX shelter, Austin Pets Alive!, to make room for animals left homeless by Hurricane Harvey. We are in love with these great old dogs! Meet them at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco. They are available for adoption and ready to start new lives!

A post shared by muttville senior dog rescue (@muttvillesf) on Sep 6, 2017 at 8:12am PDT

Random Acts of Kindness

If you aren’t sure what to do, I believe there is no better way to honor people who selflessly sacrifice their safety to save others, than to use your days on Earth to spread kindness. People save people because they want us to go on and live great lives. People save animals because they are the epitome of kindness and joy. Here is a brief list of random acts of kindness that can bring joy to this world and honor those who give (some ideas I found on the internet, others were ideas from myself and my coworkers).

1. “Cook a meal or do a load of laundry for a friend who just had a baby or is going through a difficult time.” (Buzzfeed)
2. Send someone you love or miss a letter or a gift.
3. Buy a coffee for the person behind you in line.
4. “If you walk by a car with an expired parking meter, put a quarter in it.” (Buzzfeed)
5. Call a relative you know would love to hear from you.
6. Thank your veterinarian, they hear it a lot less often than you think.
7. “Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading groceries in their car.” (Buzzfeed)
8. Bake cookies for your neighbor.
9. Buy dinner for your parents.
10. Bring snacks or food into the office for your coworkers.
11. Bring dog toys to your friend’s dog.
12. Buy your friend who is going through a difficult time a meal.
13. Pick up trash in your neighborhood.
14. “Help someone carry their groceries.” (Shari’s Berries)
15. Give someone a ride who needs one.
16. “Leave flowers on someone’s doorstep.” (Shari’s Berries)
17. “Make and give care packages to the homeless.” (Shari’s Berries)
18. Thank a veteran, or send a care package to a soldier.
19. “Take your neighbor’s dog for a walk.” (Shari’s Berries)
20. Help an elderly person or a person with a disability cross the street or run an errand.

How do you chose to remember or help first responders and others affected by tragedies and natural disasters?