Farewell Yogi.

My Dad's had a dog named Yogi for nearly 12 years. Shortly after I adopted my pup Murdoch my Dad expressed interest in finding a doggie too. I searched around for a dog for him for a few weeks. I went to the Humaine Society a few times and didn't find anyone suitable. Then one night, while out looking for something for Murdoch at a pet store, I happened to spot the cutest little terrier mix sitting there. This pet store showcases dogs and cats from the Humaine Society, so Yogi, as he had already been named, was a surrrendered dog waiting to be adopted by a new family. I called my Dad and told him I thought I'd found a good match for him. He went down and checked him out and by the end of the week Yogi was part of our family.

Yogi fit in right away. This little pup was already a year old and housetrained. He was instantly a great companion for my Dad. He obviously came from a family that loved him as he was sweetest, most gentle soul, obedient, great with kids and so loving. In those early years I often would stop by my Dad's on my way to the Old Quarry Trail and pick up Yogi to come walk with me and Murdoch. They were such good buds and had so much fun running and playing together.

In recent months Yogi's health has been declining. He was 13 years old and it was really starting to show. Last week my Dad called to say that Yogi's been sick a lot lately and falling down regularly. My Dad was really worried about his sweet dog. As hard as it was, we knew it was time to let him go. I took care of all the arrangements since I knew it would be too hard for my Dad. Yesterday I brought Yogi to the vet for the last time. It was nice to be able to be there with him in a way I wasn't able to be for Murdoch. It was peaceful and I was grateful to have the last quiet moments with him, which seemed fitting since I was the first to meet him and encourage my Dad to adopt him.

Farewell Yogi. You are already dearly missed. We love you. Thank you for being such a great dog. Please say hi to Murdoch for us all. I know you are happy to be reunited with your old pal and that you are playing together again.

My good deeds in honour of Thomas

Three years ago on March 9th a sweet boy named Thomas was born. He is an angel in heaven now. His parents request that in memory of their son's birthday each year everyone go out into the world and perform random acts of kindness to help make the world a better place.

Last year I made a donation in Thomas's name to my local childrens hospital. This year though money is tight, so I chose to donate nearly all of the baby items I am no longer using to a young woman expecting her first baby next week. I found an ad placed by her friend on a local buy/sell board. They were still in need of many items so I gave them everything I could - a big bin full of clothes and blankets, a diaper bag filled with bottles, toys and formula, a complete travel system, bedding, a snuggli, a bouncy seat and more. The friend who placed the ad came by today to pick it all up was speachless when she saw all I had for her to take to her friend. Her partner remarked that this kind of generosity is very rare. They both thanked me. I smiled and thought of Thomas.

Also, during my search for someone in need of baby items I came across a request for cloth diapers. The ad said they were willing to pay for them but couldn't afford to buy new. When I was expecting my first child a dear friend gave me a bin filled with baby clothes and in that bin there were 5 cute cloth diapers in excellent condition. I never even wanted to attempt cloth diapering and several times tried to give them away, but couldn't find any takers. Finally I could pass them on. So, I contacted them and offered the items for free. They were thrilled but I live quite far out of the city and they didn't think they could get to me and it would be just as much trouble for me to go to them. I offered to mail them the diapers at my expense. They seemed surprised by my offer to pay to send them something for free. I suspect they never expected to actually get them. They emailed me to let me know they received them yesterday and that they were so very grateful. Again I smiled and thought of Thomas.

(((((K&S)))))