By JoEllen Collins
In a time of fear and trepidation, some things still give us hope for the future and joy in the present. Certainly, big events can help: a baby’s birth, a wedding that, though smaller than planned, reminds us of the possibilities for love, or the spirit we see in many instances of people helping others. I certainly have learned to appreciate the friends and acquaintances I can contact, the efforts of others who help me laugh and retain a sense of humor, and the obvious, the meaning of family. I am blessed.
A couple of weekends ago something occurred that might seem slight, a happy surprise that not only made my day but increased my appreciation of the good in human nature.
I took my two small dogs, Cleo and Suki, to the wonderful dog park at Warm Springs Ranch. It is a reason for gratitude, a doggy paradise. On a beautiful fall Sunday, there was the usual abundance of doggies and dog-friendly people, and, as often occurs, I engaged in a conversation with a couple of locals accompanying a friendly dog. Cleo hardly ever leaves my side; we can be walking sans leash in a place like this park (otherwise they are leashed), and I look ahead, not seeing her, start to call, and there she is, just behind my legs. So, when my new friends left, I expected to find her close to me. After 20 panicked minutes, I moved to other parts of the lawn along with Suki. Two young boys stopped me and asked me what name I was shouting. We started talking, and after a few minutes they left. I went on to other parts, still calling and whistling. After about 10 minutes I saw the boys far away by the entrance to the park, running toward me with Cleo on a leash and big smiles on their faces. They found her sitting by my car in the lot, asked someone if they could borrow a leash, and brought her to me,
Any dog owner must know the relief I felt and my instinct to hug them (though I didn’t, as that’s inappropriate even without the pandemic). I told them that they were my new heroes but reminded them that even though I look like a safe grandma, they should always be careful around strangers. I managed to learn their ages and names. Both Hemingway School students, they exemplify the hope for positivity that is manifested right among us. Friendly, honest, good 8-year-old citizens, they are why I love to work with kids. They asked no reward (although I did, days later, get them each a very modest thank-you toy), returned the leash, and said they hoped they’d see me (plus my grandchildren) soon.
I was buoyed for much more time than the incident may have warranted, but even two weeks later, I smile when I think of their efforts, their open souls, and their desire to help. What a gift I received!
