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8:18am

Gracie celebrates birthday at HSOP

What a great Saturday we had at our shelter! First it was a beautiful day. Second, a little girl named Gracie celebrated her birthday with us. While not unusual (although I’m always so surprised at the generosity of kids that do this) for a child to have a birthday and request no gifts for themselves and instead request donations from our Wish List for our animals, Gracie asked for something different. She asked is she and her friends could come and work at the Shelter for her birthday gift back to us. Really work. Now how amazingly wonderful is that!?!?!?

(I must have been just the most selfish child in the world as doing what Gracie did would never have occurred to me. My parents taught me lots of things, good manners, respect for elders, a sense of responsibility and hard work, and many others. But apparently a sense of giving back did not kick in for me until much later in life.)

I spent a good bit of time talking with Gracie’s mother prior to the arrival of the other party goers. I know why Gracie is the way she is. Her mother was fantastic. Constantly emphasizing that they wanted to give us something because her daughter (and 6 other children) were growing up in a world too filled with greed and an appreciation of things and she wanted her to see another side of the coin. She was adamant about Gracie learning that not everything comes easily to everyone and that in order to make a real difference giving had to be a part of it.

She explained to me that after Gracie had read an article in the paper about the Shelter she wanted to find a way to help. She and her mother talked about different things they might do and then thought of actually coming and helping out. And bringing her whole birthday party with them! Each party goer also brought a donation for the shelter…treats, food, cleaning supplies. And while each donation is greatly appreciated, what they brought most of was love and attention for our animals. They helped clean litter boxes, cuddled cats and walked dogs. They played in the yard with a few of our dogs and loved on them and just showered them with the attention they so deserve. What a great day for our animals and for us!

And while I was tickled that so many of our animals enjoyed the attention and special day, I couldn’t help but just feel this sense of hope that there are people out there that get what we’re about. Little people in this case, who will grow up understanding about giving back. And the real fulfillment that you get from giving back. I know Gracie gets it! (Her wonderful mom too!) And these are 8 year olds! How much they can teach all of us about giving and selflessness! Happy Birthday Gracie!!! Thanks for the gifts you gave our shelter and mostly for the person you’re growing up to be. What a great gift you are!

Carrie